20 Years Ago: Timothy Dalton Is Announced As James Bond 007

It was twenty years ago on 6 August 1986 that Timothy Dalton was announced as the fourth official James Bond 007 actor. The event was later announced at a press conference in Vienna, Austria.

Timothy Dalton is James Bond

Dalton’s longtime association with the James Bond film series began in the 60’s when he was asked to take on the role after Sean Connery temporarily left after 1967’s You Only Live Twice. However, Dalton turned it down, feeling he was too young for the part (at that time 22 years old). He was also considered in 1971 and 1981.

‘The New James Bond…Living On The Edge.’

‘The Living Daylights’ poster tagline

Dalton was again considered as a replacement after the Sir Roger Moore era ended, but he initially turned it down, due to working/schedule complications with the film, Brenda Starr. With Pierce Brosnan pulling out due to NBC’s Remington Steele, Dalton finally took on the role.

His first James Bond film, The Living Daylights, premiered on 29 June 1987; the year also celebrating 25 years of 007 films. With a worldwide box-office of over $191.2 million dollars, The Living Daylights became one of the most successful James Bond films of the 1980s.

‘The Most Dangerous Bond. Ever.’

‘The Living Daylights’ poster tagline

Dalton again returned to the role for a second—and last—time in 1989’s Licence To Kill. Opening on 13 June 1989, the film faced harsh competition (Batman, Lethal Weapon 2, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and more…). The film grossed $156.2 million worldwide.

A third James Bond film featuring Timothy Dalton was set to be released sometime in 1991, but due to legal problems and complications, the film never saw the light of day. Dalton officially resigned from the James Bond 007 role on 12 April 1994.

‘His Bad Side Is A Dangerous Place To Be.’

‘Licence To Kill’ poster tagline

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