'Lord of the Rings' was turned down by Sean Connery Los Angeles: 'Bond' star Sean Connery's decision to turn down the now iconic role of Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' cost him USD 450 million. The films were considered a risky undertaking by Time Warner's movie studio New Line Cinema. With a budget of USD 281 million, the films were the most expensive movies of all time at that time.

All three films were shot back to back in New Zealand by then a relatively unknown Peter Jackson and without any big Hollywood names, according to Brian Warner of Celebritynetworth.com.

The producers thought of adding some star value to the franchise by bringing in Connery for the role of Gandalf and they were willing to go the extra way to convince the star.

In addition to a USD 10 million per film salary, they offered Connery 15 per cent of the box office for all three movies. In what would turn out to be a monumentally poor decision, Connery declined the part because he "did not...more    
10:55 AM, Nov 19, 2012

James Bond: History is as dramatic as the movies London: As a new documentary shows, the real story behind the James Bond film franchise is almost as dramatic as the 007 fantasies themselves, full of twists and turns, personality clashes, heroes, villains, beautiful women and narrow escapes. 'Everything or Nothing' is released in theatres on Friday, branded 'Global James Bond Day' to mark 50 years since the world premiere of 'Dr. No' which introduced author Ian Fleming's suave, sophisticated...  
11:54 AM, Oct 05, 2012

Connery, Ferguson crash Murray's news conference New York: Scotland's own Sean Connery and Alex Ferguson crashed Andy Murray's post-match news conference after he won his US Open semi-final on Saturday. "Excuse me for interrupting," Connery, the Oscar-winning actor, said right after the Scottish tennis star answered a question about getting a day of rest before the final. He then introduced Murray to Ferguson, the Manchester United manager. Murray and his mother, Judy, posed for pictures with...  
10:22 AM, Sep 09, 2012

James Bond's Aston Martin car sells for $4.6 mln London: An American businessman bought James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 for 2.9 million pounds ($ 4.59 million) at a London auction on Wednesday. The car driven by Sean Connery in his portrayal of the suave but lethal British secret agent in the "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" Bond films sold for less than its 3.5 million pound pre-sale estimate to businessman Harry Yeaggy, auctioneers RM Auctions said in a statement after...  
12:43 PM, Oct 28, 2010

Connery fans vote him the best Bond ever James Bond fans have voted veteran Sean Connery as their favourite actor. ...  
03:14 AM, Mar 26, 2009

Ent Wrap: Jacko's stuff auctioned, Goody's life now a film Michael Jackson's possessions will go on display at the Hard Rock Cafe. ...  
03:12 AM, Mar 26, 2009

In pics: All-time fave Bond characters and moments In recent online polls movie buffs voted for the best Bond characters and more. ...  
02:33 AM, Oct 28, 2008

In Pics: 007: The men who played Bond | Sneak Peek Six actors have played the legendary spy James Bond till now. ...  
02:32 AM, Oct 24, 2008

Celina going places, teams up with Sean Connery She is in the international project Arabian Nights
07:29 PM, Oct 21, 2008

Entwrap: Connery's autobiography reveals his quirky side

Here's your daily dose of entertainment from across the world. ...
12:25 AM, Aug 28, 2008

Take a peek at the ‘ultimate’ Bond
by ANI
Computer geniuses created the decisive 007 by taking the most popular face parts from five famous Bonds. ...  
05:06 PM, Nov 18, 2006

Prince William turns bikini Bond babe
by ANI
The future King of England was expected to dress up in a smart tuxedo but he arrived in pale blue bikini. ...  
11:34 AM, Sep 12, 2006