James Bond casting news is always a big deal, but many fans don’t know that a female James Bond was almost casted a decade ago, with this near casting choice almost breaking two James Bond traditions. James Bond is one of the most iconic movie characters of all time, with discussions around who the next actor to portray 007 will be always occurring. However, every James Bond has been a man so far, but that almost wasn’t the case.

The James Bond movie series is one of the most popular franchises of all time, with the 27 movies being consistent hits through the six decades since Dr. No’s 1962 release. The existence of the franchise is all thanks to James Bond creator Ian Fleming, with many fans of the franchise wanting to know more about the author. Luckily, Nicholas Shakespeare’s new biography Ian Fleming: The Complete Man gives some insight into his life as well as James Bond history, revealing that there was almost a female James Bond.

Susan Hayward Would Have Been The First American To Play Bond

Ian Fleming: The Complete Man reveals that James Bond was almost played by a woman, with Susan Hayward’s name being tossed around during the casting process for 1967’s Casino Royale. Producer Gregory Ratoff was the main one who was interested in casting Hayward as Bond, and while it didn’t happen, it could have been a game changer for the franchise.

Susan Hayward would have been the first female 007 if she were cast as James Bone as Ratoff had originally hoped, but that isn’t even the most interesting record she could’ve held. Hayward is an American, meaning that she would have also been the first American James Bond, something that may have been far more controversial if she had actually been cast in Casino Royale.

Susan Hayward's Casting Would Have Totally Changed The James Bond Franchise

Casting Susan Hayward would have changed the James Bond franchise in some big ways, and while it’s possible that she would have been great as 007, it’s hard to deny that the franchise would be very different today if she had been cast. Firstly, she could’ve opened the door for other future female Bonds to be cast, completely rewriting the history of the franchise’s casting traditions.

Having an American Bond also would have changed things, as it would have given people of different nationalities the ability to play James Bond. These different nationalities could have even been reflected in each actor’s respective 007 movie, changing the James Bond franchise forever.