While there is no one currently cast as James Bond, there are over 60 years of history regarding 007s, including the many actors who almost played Bond over the years. While an American has never played James Bond in one of 007's movies, many Hollywood actors like Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood and Mel Gibson were once in the running to play the British spy. Even Dick Van Dyke was once pursued for the suave secret agent, and he responded to the offer in the best way.
In 1968, Dick Van Dyke famously starred in the fantasy musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which was produced by James Bond filmmaker Albert R. Broccoli and based on a children’s novel by 007 creator Ian Fleming. Here’s how the actor recalled being asked to play the role:
