James Bond: The actors who could have played 007

As 007 fans prepare for the next installment of the James Bond franchise, “Skyfall, we’re taking a look back at the Bonds that never were.

In 1967, LIFE sent photographers to auditions for the James Bond flick “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” the first of the movies to cast a different leading man than Sean Connery, who starred in the five earlier Bond films.

Many tried out for the coveted role, and eventually, producers picked Australian actor George Lazenby, who had little acting experience outside of TV commercials but who had the fighting skills the directors were looking for.

The movie got mixed reviews from critics, but it still propelled the inexperienced actor into the spotlight…for a brief time.

Following the 1969 film’s release, Lazenby decided to retired his Bond role. He never again landed an acting part as big as his “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” role.

Actors like Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton would later play James Bond as well. Daniel Craig stars in “Skyfall,” now playing in theaters.

Click to see photos of the actors that auditioned to play James Bond.