James Bond: ‘Pierce Brosnan was DEVASTATED and heartbroken’ by 007 missed opportunity

Pierce Brosnan started playing James Bond with 1995’s Goldeneye but originally won the role 1986. Roger Moore had quit after seven movies with 1985’s A View To A Kill being his last outing, and the young Remington Steele star was set to replace him. However, due to contractual agreements, Brosnan couldn’t get out of the TV show, so the role went to Timothy Dalton who starred in 1987’s The Living Daylights. It’s now been revealed that at the time Brosnan was “devastated” and “heartbroken” by the news.

His Remington Steele co-star Louie Anderson revealed to Entertainment Weekly: “That was at the time when Pierce Brosnan was offered James Bond and they wouldn’t let him out of the contract.

“He was devastated. It was a horrible thing for him. He did talk to me about it.

“He was heartbroken. He wasn’t mad, he was heartbroken. Y’know he’s a lovely human being and he was really heartbroken.

“It was really fun working with him, he’s so funny.”

PIERCE BROSNAN ON WHAT HE REALLY THINKS OF DANIEL CRAIG’S JAMES BOND

In a Facebook post, Brosnan wrote: “A still from my screen test for Bond, The Living Daylights, back in 1986.

“I got the job, however, there was a catch.

“I couldn’t get out of my contract with Remington Steele…and, well, let’s save it for the memoirs.”

Brosnan went on to make three more Bond movies after Goldeneye, finishing with 2002’s Die Another Day before Daniel Craig took over as 007.