Actors who were considered for Bond before Moore returned

Timothy Dalton - Had met with Cubby Broccoli about playing the part but declined due to the direction the series was taking following "Moonraker", however he was unaware that the series was going back to the grounded reality, stripping away the gadgets.

Michael Billington -Was always considered the alternative choice had Moore declined, but there is a long standing rumour that he came close to being cast as Bond in FYEO by going to screen-testing and doing photoshoots but Moore returned at the eleventh hour

Lewis Collins - Had met with Broccoli, but lost out on the role for being too aggressive, which I think Broccoli made a huge mistake dismissing him.

Ian Ogilvy - Like Moore, he also played Simin Templar, interesting

David Warbeck - Was said to be given the role when production would begin, but Moore returned

Patrick Mower - This was apparently one of several occasions where he was considered

Michael Jayston

Nicholas Clay

Jeremy Irons - Had met with Cubby but turned down the role due to fear of being typecast.