Iconic Bond: Sean Connery Makes On-Screen Return in Famous On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Poster Art

James Bond poster art reimagining On Her Majesty’s Secret Service features Sean Connery in the iconic role. Connery, who portrayed the English spy in six Eon Bond films, from Dr. No to Diamonds Are Forever, is widely recognized as the original Bond. After his departure from the role following You Only Live Twice in 1967, George Lazenby took over, with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service being his sole Bond credit. However, Connery returned one last time with Diamonds, leaving many Bond enthusiasts curious about what could have been if he had continued as Bond instead of Lazenby.

An artist took inspiration from the original Japanese artwork for the movie and created a poster with Connery as Bond, replacing Lazenby. Twitter user Sean Longmore shared the artwork accompanied by the famous quote, "We've got all the time in the world," and labeled it as a "what if?" piece. Take a look at the captivating poster below:

The snowy backdrop of the poster showcases captivating scenes and significant events from the film, while intermittently featuring key characters. Positioned prominently at the center of the image is Connery's Bond, mirroring Lazenby's appearance from the movie, confidently pointing his silenced pistol towards the audience. Below, the movie's title is displayed in Japanese, with '007' elegantly written underneath.

What Would On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Have Been Like With Connery As Bond?

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, to this day, remains a highly debated entry in the James Bond franchise. Critics are divided, with some considering it the strongest Bond film but with weak 007 portrayals, while others dismiss it as a chaotic production with no redeeming qualities. Without a doubt, Lazenby's casting was widely perceived as a mistake (resulting in him being swiftly replaced by Connery and later Roger Moore), and the film itself is not without its flaws.

It is evident that having Connery in the role might have resolved certain issues. The central emotional arc of the story revolves around Bond's love affair and subsequent marriage to Contessa Teresa Di Vincenzo. The impact of her death at the end is what shapes Bond's character permanently. However, many viewers struggled to connect with the emotional turmoil experienced by Bond, as they had no prior investment in Lazenby's portrayal. It is likely that the emotional depth would have been more impactful with Connery as Bond. Unfortunately, James Bond fans will never witness how the film would have unfolded with Sean Connery in the lead. Nevertheless, it is apparent that, being a fan favorite, the involvement of the Scotsman could have transformed On Her Majesty’s Secret Service into one of the most adored and highly esteemed James Bond movies. Currently, just like when Connery initially departed from the role, the Bond franchise finds itself at a critical juncture, with hopes that the next casting choice receives a more positive reception than On Her Majesty’s Secret Service did.

Source: Sean Longmore/Twitter