<P> American actor Barry Nelson was the first to portray Bond on screen , in a 1954 television adaptation , `` Casino Royale '' . In 1961 Eon Productions began work on Dr. No , an adaptation of the novel of the same name . The result was a film that spawned a series of twenty - four films produced by Eon Productions and two independent films . After considering the likes of `` refined '' English actors such as Cary Grant and David Niven , the producers cast Sean Connery as Bond in the film . Fleming was appalled at the selection of the uncouth , 31 - year - old Scottish actor , considering him to be the antithesis of his character . However , Connery 's physical prowess and sexual magnetism in the role came to be closely identified with the character , with Fleming ultimately changing his view on Connery and incorporating aspects of his portrayal into the books . </P>
<P> American actor Barry Nelson was the first to portray Bond on screen , in a 1954 television adaptation , `` Casino Royale '' . In 1961 Eon Productions began work on Dr. No , an adaptation of the novel of the same name . The result was a film that spawned a series of twenty - four films produced by Eon Productions and two independent films . After considering the likes of `` refined '' English actors such as Cary Grant and David Niven , the producers cast Sean Connery as Bond in the film . Fleming was appalled at the selection of the uncouth , 31 - year - old Scottish actor , considering him to be the antithesis of his character . However , Connery 's physical prowess and sexual magnetism in the role came to be closely identified with the character , with Fleming ultimately changing his view on Connery and incorporating aspects of his portrayal into the books . </P>
who played james bond in the first movie
who played james bond in the first movie
Barry Nelson
Barry Nelson