Does Roger Moore Belong at the End of James Bond?

The legacy of Roger Moore as James Bond is often debated. Did he stay for too long, and does he bear responsibility for the shift in the series' tone? Let's explore if he was meant to be part of the franchise, and whether his exit should have been sooner.

Bond's Mission and Roger Moore's Approach

James Bond was originally designed to be a serious, deadly operative with a taste for comedy. Roger Moore's portrayal, however, made the character overly feminine, blurring the line between fun and seriousness. His comedic elements made Bond seem more like a chanteuse than the lethal weapon he was meant to be.

Financial Success and Audience Reception

While many argue that Roger Moore's portrayal made the franchise less serious, the financial success of the Bond movies under his tenure speaks volumes. Moonraker, for instance, earned an impressive $210 million worldwide, adjusting for inflation to $800 million. This points to the wide appeal of Roger Moore's Bond, especially among family audiences looking for fun summer blockbusters.

The public's support is evident in films such as Live and Let Die and The Spy Who Loved Me, which continued to be box office successes. Despite his departure after Moonraker, it's clear that Roger Moore's Bond was far from a failure. The fact that his last two films, Octopussy and A View to a Kill, were also blockbusters indicates that he left a legacy of family-friendly entertainment.

The Departure and Its Consequences

There's no doubt that Roger Moore should have left the role sooner. He had already reached 45/46 when cast in Live and Let Die, making his portrayal of a younger, more convincing secret agent more difficult. For Your Eyes Only is considered by many to be his best performance, and would have been a fitting farewell had he left at that point.

Modernizing Bond: From Humor to Grit

James Bond movies today are darker and more realistic, trending towards a grittier approach to storytelling. However, the shift cannot be solely attributed to Roger Moore. Timothy Dalton's character in License to Kill and Goldeneye was known for its no-nonsense, true-to-the-books style, which contributed to the changing dynamics of the franchise.

The shift in tone is not a direct result of one actor's departure but rather a response to changing audience preferences and current trends. The modern Bond movies, while darker, still attract large audiences, particularly among older viewers who grew up with the Roger Moore films but now seek a more realistic and serious portrayal.

Conclusion: Writing to Fit the Actor's Persona

While not every Bond movie has been specifically written to fit the actor's persona, such as in the case of License to Kill and Goldeneye, there is a shared recognition that the character must evolve with each new iteration. However, Roger Moore's departure was purely based on his ability to portray a younger Bond effectively.