What was Roger Moore's final James Bond movie?
Last updated: July 21, 2024
Ah, Roger Moore – the man who brought a certain je ne sais quoi to James Bond that we didn't even know we needed. Picture this: It's 1973, and Moore struts onto the scene in "Live and Let Die," eyebrow cocked and ready to charm the pants off both friend and foe alike. At 45, he stepped into the role with confidence and style, setting the stage for a remarkable run.
Interestingly, Moore wasn't a newcomer to the Bond universe. He'd been considered for the role as far back as 1962 for "Dr. No," but commitments to "The Saint" kept him out of the running. When he finally donned the tuxedo, it was a natural fit. Producer Albert Broccoli saw in Moore the suave, sophisticated gentleman spy he envisioned, a contrast to Connery's rugged interpretation.
Fast forward through years of martinis (shaken, not stirred), outrageous gadgets, and equally outrageous Bond girl names (hello, Dr. Holly Goodhead!), and you'll find Moore still going strong. His tenure spanned from 1973 to 1985, a period that saw Bond evolve from the gritty Cold War spy to a more tongue-in-cheek action hero. By the time he hung up his Walther PPK, he'd set a record for Bond portrayals in the official Eon productions. Sorry, Daniel Craig, you fell short, mate.
But here's the kicker – Moore's swan song as Bond was a box office smash. At 58, he proved that you're never too old to save the world and get the girl. His final outing grossed a cool $152 million, showing that even in the era of "Back to the Future" and "The Breakfast Club," there was still plenty of appetite for Moore's particular brand of suave spy shenanigans.
As Moore's time as 007 drew to a close, he left an indelible mark on the franchise. His final performance capped off a run that had redefined the character for a new generation, blending humor with action in a way that became synonymous with Bond throughout the '70s and early '80s. This last hurrah would prove to be not just a farewell to Moore's Bond, but a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. Which movie marked the end of Roger Moore's iconic portrayal of James Bond?