One of the most extraordinary candidates was Lord Lucan, who would later gain infamy after the mysterious disappearance following a tragic murder in 1974. An aristocrat and former Coldstream Guards officer, Lucan was seen by Broccoli as the quintessential Bond figure—handsome, charming, and with a taste for luxury. However, Lucan's response to the offer was simply, “Good heavens!”

Before Connery was ultimately cast in Dr. No in 1962, the search for Bond mirrored the extensive casting process for Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. Early contenders included Patrick McGoohan, who ultimately declined, believing that the character’s emphasis on romance and violence did not align with his own values. Cary Grant was another potential choice, but at nearly 60, he deemed himself too old for the role, and financial constraints made his casting improbable.

Connery, initially dismissive of a screen test, made a strong impression during his meeting with the producers, demonstrating confidence and a physicality that set him apart. Despite Fleming's initial skepticism regarding Connery’s suitability, a lunch meeting where Connery impressed Fleming and his friends secured him the role for £6,000—a modest sum by today’s standards.

As Connery's tenure as Bond drew to a close, the search for his successor was reignited, with intriguing candidates such as Peter Snow, a TV journalist, and Peter Purves, known for his role in Doctor Who. Both found themselves entertaining discussions about the iconic role, only to face rejection. Purves would later find success as a presenter on Blue Peter.

The list of potential Bonds continued to grow, including Dick Van Dyke, who humorously cited his infamous English accent as a reason for not pursuing the role. George Lazenby, an inexperienced actor with a modeling background, would eventually land the role after a chance encounter with an agent. Lazenby believed he could transition from Bond to Hollywood fame, but his premature exit after just one film left the search for a new 007 wide open.

Notable contenders included Sir Ranulph Fiennes, a famed explorer, and various actors like Michael Gambon and John Gavin, who were considered but never cast. Roger Moore eventually secured the role, bringing a lighter, more comedic touch to the franchise.

As the years progressed, actors like Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan took their turns in the tuxedo. Brosnan's tenure saw the emergence of over 200 actors vying for the role, including an unlikely bid from Robbie Williams, who expressed a willingness to take acting lessons to step into Bond's shoes.

Daniel Craig ultimately took on the role, marking a significant shift for the franchise, and his departure in 2021 has left producers once again searching for a successor. The list of potential actors continues to expand, with names like Idris Elba and Tom Hardy being frequently mentioned, each facing the familiar dilemma of the "burden" that comes with portraying such an iconic character.

In the end, every actor who steps into the role of Bond knows they’re living out a fantasy that resonates with audiences worldwide, as the search for 007 continues to capture the imagination.