'Skyfall' is a movie very much intended to return James Bond to his classic roots; roots established by actors like Sean Connery. Connery hasn't starred in a movie since 2003's 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' (what a disappointing way to go out...) but his almost ten-year retirement almost ended with a role opposite the character that made him famous.

[Warning: the following post may contain some spoilers for 'Skyfall'...]

In the third act of 'Skyfall,' James Bond and M (Dame Judi Dench) take refuge at the Scottish ranch the film is named for. There they meet a gruff, older man named Kincade, played by Albert Finney. But it was a role originally intended for the once-James Bond himself, Sean Connery.

As it turns out, the writers wrote the part with Connery in mind and producers wanted Connery to return for a surprise cameo. But director Sam Mendes tells The Huffington Post there were issues with this plan:

There was a definite discussion about [Connery playing Kincade] -- way, way early on. But I think that's problematic. Because, to me, it becomes too ... it would take you out of the movie. Connery is Bond and he's not going to come back as another character. It's like, he's been there. So, it was a very brief flirtation with that thought, but it was never going to happen, because I thought it would distract.

When watching 'Skyfall' it's very easy to see the Kincade character, the gameskeeper of the Skyfall estate, and see how it was something originally intended for Connery. It would've been a great way for Connery to return to movies but ultimately we agree with Mendes; it would've taken you out of the movie. And, to boot, it's very likely that Connery (who also turned down a cameo role in 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull') would've turned down the part anyway.

All this said, we'd love to have Connery come out of retirement for one last movie before he dies. After all, who wants to have 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' as the last film on their IMDB page?

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