100 Rare James Bond Behind-the-Scenes Photos with Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore and More

Yahoo

30-03-2025

Six lead actors, 25 movies, $7.67 billion in global box office grosses ($19.2 billion adjusted for inflation), 63 years and counting, and a new era soon to begin—all of which equals the multi-generational success of the cinematic adventures of author Ian Fleming's James Bond, secret agent 007 for Her (now His) Majesty's Secret Service.
What began in 1962 with Dr. No—a modestly budgeted spy thriller starring a then-unknown Sean Connery—has evolved into one of the most iconic and enduring franchises in film history. With Connery's magnetic mix of charm and danger, Bond quickly became the blueprint for the modern action hero. His portrayal defined the role for generations, and though Connery stepped away after five films, he returned for a sixth (Diamonds Are Forever)—and a non-official entry (Never Say Never Again)—cementing his status as the original Bond against which all others would be measured.
The franchise was never afraid of reinvention. George Lazenby stepped into the role for 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service, delivering a surprisingly emotional turn that has only grown in critical appreciation over time. Roger Moore brought a lighter, more tongue-in-cheek approach across seven films, balancing outrageous gadgets and globe-trotting spectacle with a raised eyebrow and a dry martini. Timothy Dalton took Bond in a grittier, more grounded direction in his two entries, ahead of his time in his portrayal of a more human, conflicted agent.
The '90s ushered in the sleek, modern charisma of Pierce Brosnan, whose four films helped reintroduce Bond to a post-Cold War world, fusing classic elements with new-age action. And then came Daniel Craig, whose five-film arc—beginning with Casino Royale (2006) and concluding with No Time to Die (2021)—redefined Bond yet again. His Bond was bruised and brooding, a man shaped by loss and loyalty, vulnerable yet lethal. Craig's era added emotional stakes to the franchise like never before, while still delivering the thrills fans expect.
Across the decades, Bond has survived and thrived—through changing cultural tides, shifting political landscapes and evolving tastes in cinema. He's remained relevant, stylish, and somehow always one step ahead, thanks to the stewardship of producers Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli, his daughter Barbara Broccoli and stepson Michael G. Wilson, who have overseen the franchise's careful evolution without losing sight of its core identity: Bond, James Bond.
What follows is a visual journey through the making of the 25 official EON Bond films—a curated collection of 100 behind-the-scenes photos that pull back the curtain on one of cinema's greatest institutions. From Connery to Craig, from exploding pens to Aston Martins, from Pinewood Studios to exotic locales, these rare and revealing images capture the people, places and moments that helped shape the Bond legacy.
You've seen the action. You've heard the theme. Now step behind the camera and into the world of 007, guaranteed to leave you shaken, not stirred.
4. The series—and Sean Connery's tenure as James Bond—kicked off with Dr. No. This photo, from left, features Eunice Grayson, Zena Marshall, Connery and Ursula Andress.
5. Sean Connery impresses Ursula Andress with his physical prowess on location in Jamaica.
6. Ursula Andress in conversation with 007 creator Ian Fleming, author of the novels the early films were based on.
7. A shot of cast and crew filming a sequence.
8. Tailor Anthony Sinclair fitting Scottish actor Sean Connery for one of the suits he wears in From Russia With Love, Mayfair, London, 1963.
9. Actors Sean Connery and Daniela Bianchi, stars of From Russia With Love, leaving London for location filming in Istanbul, April 20, 1963.
10. Sean Connery getting dressed during the filming of the James Bond 007 movie From Russia With Love at Pinewood studios.
11. Sean Connery and Italian actress Daniela Bianchi rehearse and film a bedroom scene on April 9, 1963.
12. Actor Sean Connery and actress Shirley Eaton on the set of Goldfinger.
13. Sean Connery with author Ian Fleming, on-set, 1964
14. Director Guy Hamilton (helming his first Bond movie) discusses a sequence with actress Honor Blackman, who portrays Pussy Galore.
15. It's not easy being James Bond, is it? Connery with his Goldfinger co-stars Shirley Eaton, Honor Blackman and Tania Mallett.
16. Sean Connery on the set of Thunderball, directed by Terence Young. This, the fourth 007 film, was the one that launched Bondmania into the stratosphere.
17. Sean Connery lies bare-chested on a stretching machine during the classic scene, with camera lights and crew filming during the making of the film where Bond finds himself strapped to a stretching machine out of control.
18. Sean Connery, Claudine Auger (who plays Domino) director Terence Young, on set, 1965
19. James Bond films are famous for their action-packed pre-credit sequences, and in Thunderball's, 007 escapes the bad guys via jet pack. Here, Connery is being strapped into it.
20. Director Lewis Gilbert (far left) talking to actors (L-R) Ronald Rich, Sean Connery and Donald Pleasance while filming a scene for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, at Pinewood Studios in London, circa 1967.
21. Actors Sean Connery (left) and Donald Pleasance (in costume as Bond's arch-enemy, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, holding a cat) chatting in between scenes on set.
22. Only Connery could pull off this look!
23. Sean Connery as James Bond learning Jojitsu Japanese martial arts skills during the filming of You Only Live Twice, which was partially filmed in Japan.
24. Sean Connery retired from the Bond role after You Only Live Twice, and Australian model-turned-actor George Lazenby was brought on board On Her Majesty's Secret Service as the new 007. Here, he's with English actress Diana Rigg (who portrays the only woman that Bond has married in the series' long history).
25. Lazenby films a scene on location on the Praia do Guincho (Guincho Beach), near Cascais in Portugal, 1969. Here he is captured by henchman Raphael, played by stuntman Terry Mountain.
26. Actor George Lazenby with actress Diana Rigg during a press conference for the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service in London, October 14, 1968.
27. Diana Rigg, title sequence designer Maurice Binder, director Peter Hunt, George Lazenby, on set, 1969.
28. After Lazenby's one shot, Sean Connery was lured back for one final 007 adventure in the form of 1971's Diamonds Are Forever (though he would return in 1983's unofficial Bond movie, Never Say Never Again). Here, he's seen with co-star Jill St. John.
29. Sean Connery (right) and producer Harry Saltzman on location in Amsterdam for the shooting of the seventh James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever. This photo was taken on July 4, 1971.
30. A light moment between scenes with Connery and St. John.
31. Director Guy Hamilton (whose previous Bond credit was 1964's Goldfinger) with Connery on set.
32. With Connery gone again, producers found the new 007 in the form of Roger Moore. In this publicity shot from Live and Let Die, Moore is seen with Julius Harris, Jane Seymour, Geoffrey Holder and Yaphet Kotto.
33. Roger Moore relaxes on location for the filming of the James Bond film Live and Let Die on March 1, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica
34. Jane Seymour and producer Harry Saltzman take a break during filming in Kingston, Jamaica.
35. When filmmakers saw this sign that hung outside an alligator farm, they dreamt up a daring stunt for Bond to perform to elude their snapping jaws.
36. Roger Moore on the set of The Man with the Golden Gun. At the time of the film's production, there was a kung fu craze in Hollywood, so a bit of martial arts was worked into the story.
37. Roger Moore, Britt Ekland, Guy Hamilton (director), Albert "Cubby" Broccoli (producer) and Christopher Lee at a press conference for The Man with the Golden Gun.
38. Actor Roger Moore with actresses Maud Adams and Britt Ekland.
39. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) is generally considered to be Roger Moore's best Bond film. In this image, actress Barbara Bach (Anya Amasova, a.k.a. XXX), producer Albert R. Broccoli and Moore on-set in 1977.
40. Actress Barbara Bach and actor Richard Kiel (Jaws) on the set of The Spy Who Loved Me.
41. The underwater unit films footage of the Lotus Esprit turned submersible.
42. The sets of the Bond movies were always like a family getting back together, and here, producer Cubby Broccoli serves out pasta to cast and crew.
43. Actor Roger Moore on the set of Moonraker, which literally brings 007 into space in an effort to capitalize on the success of Star Wars.
44. L-R: Producer Cubby Broccoli, Roger Moore, actress Lois Chiles (CIA Agent Holly Goodhead) and director Lewis Gilbert, who had previously helmed 1967's You Only Live Twice and 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me.
45. Jaws (Richard Kiel) may have height and bulk on his side, but James Bond (Roger Moore) has the bullhorn!
46. (L-R) Roger Moore and Lois Chiles during the filming of Moonraker.
47. Despite the box office success of Moonraker, the powers that were decided the time was right to bring the Bond character back down to Earth, hence the approach to 1981's For Your Eyes Only. Here, the returning Roger Moore with singer Sheena Easton, who sings the title song and is seen performing it in the opening credits.
48. Roger Moore rests before filming another scene of For Your Eyes Only in the Bahamas in October 1980.
49. Roger Moore and leading lady Carole Boquet are all smiles as they prepare to film a sequence in which their characters are dragged via boat over coral reefs, the injuries expected to catch the attention of sharks.
50. L-R: Topol, Roger Moore, Paul Angelis, Carole Bouquet, Stag Theodore, Alekis Kiritikos and director John Glen.
51. Christopher Reeve visits Roger Moore on the set of the 12th James Bond movie Octopussy at Pinewood Studios in 1983. At the time, Reeve was filming Superman III in England.
52. (L-R) Swedish actress and model Maud Adams is Octopussy and Roger Moore is James Bond, the two of them standing at a magazine stand during the filming of Octopussy in October 1982. Adams had previously appeared in 1974's The Man with the Golden Gun as a different character.
53. From left to right, Kabir Bedi, Maud Adams, producer Albert R. Broccoli, Roger Moore, Lois Maxwell, tennis star Vijay Amritraj and Desmond Llewelyn.
54. (L-R) Actress Tina Hudson, is Bianca, and Roger Moore is 007, pose for a portrait with Bond's Astrojet that plays a role in the film's stunning pre-credit sequence.
55. Roger Moore's tenure as James Bond ends 12 years after it began with A View to a Kill. Here are Christopher Walken as Max Zorin, Tanya Roberts as Stacy Sutton and Moore as 007, all seen during the making of the film in England.
56. A View to a Kill on location at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
57. English film director John Glen (white jacket), producer Albert R. Broccoli, Roger Moore as James Bond and Jamaican-American model Grace Jones, as May Day in Paris, France, August 1984.
58. Hmm, is this a crossover between James Bond and the Pink Panther? On set in London, England in August 1984.
59. In the aftermath of the cancelation of his Remington Steele television series, Pierce Brosnan was signed to play James Bond in The Living Daylights. Upon that announcement, NBC enforced its option to bring the series back, resulting in the actor being let go from Bond (eventually returning for 1995's GoldenEye).
60. The mad dash to find a last-minute replacement for Pierce Brosnan, the producers held a number of screen tests, including this one featuring American actor James Brolin as 007.
61. Sam Neill (perhaps best known as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise) also screen-tested for the role of Bond in The Living Daylights.
62. Things got very serious with 1987's The Living Daylights, introducing Timothy Dalton as James Bond 007. Here he's seen with producer Albert R. Broccoil at a press event to promote the film in England on June 25, 1987.
63. C'mon, does playing James Bond really look that tough?
64. Timothy Dalton caught in the PR machine that is such a big part of James Bond movie productions.
65. Timothy Dalton on set in 1987.
66. Timothy Dalton with director Jon Glen on the set of the actor's second Bond movie, Licence to Kill. This was Glen's fifth and final film in the series.
67. Actor Robert Davi poses on Sunset Blvd during a 1988 West Hollywood, California, photo portrait session. Davi plays a Colombian drug lord in Licence to Kill.
68. Timothy Dalton and Carey Lowell attend the premiere of the James Bond film Licence to Kill at the Odeon Cinema on June 13, 1989, in London, England.
69. Timothy Dalton poses during a 1989 West Hollywood, California, publicity portrait session. Dalton's Licence to Kill was his second and final opportunity to play James Bond.
70. Irish actor Pierce Brosnan took on the role of Bond six years after Dalton's last effort. He's seen here driving a BMW Z3 for a scene in GoldenEye on February 2, 1995. Polish actress Izabella Scorupco is in the seat behind him. Here, Brosnan operates the clapperboard for the camera.
71. Pierce Brosnan poses with Roger Moore, a former incarnation of superspy James Bond, on the set of the film GoldenEye, 1995.
72. Famke Janssen, Pierce Brosnan and director Martin Campbell, on set, 1995.
73. Izabella Scorupco films a scene in Puerto Rico with Pierce Brosnan and a BMW Z3.
74. Henry Cavill's screen test to play James Bond in GoldenEye.
75. Tomorrow Never Dies: Pierce Brosnan, Michelle Yeoh preparing to film a scene on set, 1997.
76. Pierce Brosnan as 007, filming a scene in a fake L-39 Albatros jet for the opening sequence of Tomorrow Never Dies. Behind the aircraft is a snowy mountain backdrop.
77. Michelle Yeoh, Pierce Brosnan and director Roger Spttiswoode.
78. Pierce Brosnan, gun in hand, sitting on a BMW R1200C in a publicity still for the film.
79. The World is Not Enough: Left-to-right: Sophie Marceau, Pierce Brosnan and director Michael Apted, 1999.
80. Die Another Day, released for the film series' 40th anniversary, is Pierce Brosnan's final portrayal of James Bond. Here, he poses with an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish at a press conference for the movie at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, England on January 11, 2002.
81. Director Lee Tamahori and Pierce Brosnan on the set, 2002,
82. Actors (L to R) Rosamund Pike, Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry pose for photographers January 11, 2002 during the press launch of Die Another Day.
83. The final cycle of modern James Bond films begins with 2006's Casino Royale, which introduces Daniel Craig in the role of 007. He's seen here with co-star Eva Green.
84. The Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square in central London is prepared for the Royal Premiere of the James Bond film Casino Royale on November 13, 2006.
85. Daniel Craig walks past a caravan February 1, 2006, during the shooting of the film at Modrany studio in Prague.
86. Daniel Craig (L) and director Marc Forster (L) are seen on the sea stage in Bregenz on May 6, 2008, in Bregenz, Austria.
87. Director Marc Forster, Mathieu Amalric, Olga Kurylenko, Daniel Craig, on set, 2008.
88. Anatole Taubman, Mathieu Amalric, Olga Kurylenko, Daniel Craig and director Marc Forster on set in front of the press in 2008.
89. For the 50th anniversary of the James Bond in 2012, Skyfall was released and was not only one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the series, but the highest grossing as well, with over $1 billion in global box office.
90. From left: Judi Dench as MI6 head M with director Sam Mendes on set, 2012,
91. (L-R) French actress Berenice Marlohe, Daniel Craig and British actress Naomie Harris pose at a photocall to announce the start of production of the 23rd film in the James Bond series, Skyfall, in central London on November 3, 2011.
92. Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem (who portrays the film's villain) pose for the press at the start of production.
93. Daniel Craig and Monica Bellucci on set for the 24th James Bond film, Spectre, on February 19, 2015 in Rome, Italy.
94. Daniel Craig is seen filming a chase scene in Rome.
95. One of the baddies of Spectre is played by Dave Bautista, who achieved enormous popularity as Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy.
96. From left: Dave Bautista and director Sam Mendes, on location in Obertilliach, Austria, 2015.
97. Daniel Craig (C) jokes with colleagues Lea Seydoux (R) of France and US Dave Bautista with the Tyrolean Alps in the background during a photo call on January 7, 2015.
98. Then Prince (now King) Charles with Daniel Craig during a visit to the James Bond set at Pinewood Studios on June 20, 2019, in Iver Heath, England.
99. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga, actress Léa Seydoux and Daniel Craig pose as they arrive on set of No Time to Die on September 09, 2019 in Matera, Italy.
100. Daniel Craig attends the World Premiere of No Time to Die at the Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021 in London, England. This is the end of a 60-year saga, marking Craig's last time as 007, the death of James Bond and seemingly the end of the series. Yet Amazon, which purchased MGM (half-owners of Bond) has made a deal to buy out Eon Productions (owners of the other half), which means only one thing.
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