In the James Bond universe 1983 was decisive. Within a short span of four months, two films starring different interpreters of the iconic spy were released in theaters, generating a truly unique media and box office “battle.” On the one hand, Roger Moore, in the official Eon Productions continuity, starred in ‘Octopussy;’ on the other, Sean Connery, who had announced his retirement from the iconic role, returned to embody Bond in the unauthorized production ‘Never Say Never Again.’

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An unrepeatable duel

After having played Bond on six occasions between 1962 and 1971, Sean Connery had left the role, establishing a firm decision to retire from the character. However, independent producer Kevin McClory and screenwriter Jack Whittingham, linked to the creation of the story of ‘Thunderball,’ won rights that allowed them to develop a new version of the Bond universe. After years of wrangling, McClory got his way, offering Connery an irresistible $3 million check to reprise the role, which eventually convinced him to return. Initially titled James Bond of the Secret Service, the film was retitled ‘Never Say Never Again,’ an ironic nod to the actor’s supposed final decision not to play 007 again.

This circumstance put the “unauthorized” James Bond in direct conflict with the 13th official installment of the secret agent: ‘Octopussy,’ with a no less iconic Roger Moore in the role. The circumstance of the clash did not go unnoticed by the producers, who did everything possible to stretch their budgets and have the elements considered essential to make a good James Bond film: exotic locations, memorable villains and stunning women.

‘Octopussy’ had a budget of $27.5 million and had a veteran of the saga like John Glen in the director’s chair, who took the production to locations such as Udaipur, India or Moscow, with a Bond on the hunt for the multimillionaire playboy Kamal Khan and his right-hand man: Octopussy, an international smuggler surrounded by killer acrobats. Meanwhile, ‘Never Say Never Again’ had a slightly bigger budget, around $36 million, was directed by ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ director Ivin Kershner, and featured its own collection of suggestive locations like the Bahamas and the French Riviera, as well as starring Sean Connery (albeit a bit older than his fans probably remembered; 12 years don’t go by in vain). Among its curiosities, it features a young actress, Kim Bassinger, in one of her standout roles before she rose to fame in ‘9 1/2 Weeks’ three years later.

Battle of the Bonds

The so-called “Battle of the Bonds” ended in a technical draw. ‘Octopussy’ was poorly received by critics, but grossed $187.5 million worldwide, consolidating itself as a huge success within the franchise. ‘Never Say Never Again’ also received some criticism for its reminiscence with previous Bond films, but grossed around $160 million. What did not end was a bitter struggle that would last for decades by Kevin McClory to continue producing unauthorized James Bond films, although he would not be able to repeat the legal feat that had allowed him to produce ‘Never Say Never Again,’ which remains a rare bird and a curiosity for fans of the franchise.

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