Dick Van Dyke Rejected James Bond Role Due To His Terrible British Accent

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Few figures truly deserve the title of ‘living legend,’ but Dick Van Dyke is certainly one of them. As he nears his 100th birthday, he remains remarkably energetic. While known for many memorable roles, including his iconic performance in Mary Poppins, he surprisingly turned down a part that could have been even more famous.

Dick Van Dyke recently shared with Today that producer Barbara Broccoli once considered him for the role of James Bond in a 1969 film. Having just played a charming London character five years earlier, and following his role in Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968, he was a strong contender for the part in the sixth film of what would become a hugely successful movie franchise.

Dick Van Dyke explained that he turned down the role – which ultimately went to George Lazenby, an Australian model who became an actor – because when he declined the offer, he told producer Albert Broccoli…

“Have you heard my British accent?”

Honestly, that moment instantly reminded me of Dick Van Dyke as Bert in Mary Poppins. A lot of people consider it one of the most hilariously bad British accents ever attempted by an American actor – and believe me, it’s pretty memorable! Unless you’ve heard his even more infamous attempt at a Geordie accent in Castle – seriously, you have to look that one up, it’s legendary.

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ Had Many Connections to James Bond, and Dick Van Dyke Could Have Been One More


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Though Ian Fleming is famous for creating James Bond, his influence is also visible in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The film shares similarities with the Bond adventures and even features several connections to the franchise. It was produced by Albert Broccoli, and starred Gert Frobe – best known as the villain in Goldfinger – and Desmond Llewelyn, who famously played Q. Interestingly, author Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang after previously writing the screenplay for Sean Connery’s Bond film, You Only Live Twice. With its focus on a car packed with clever gadgets, the connection to Fleming’s signature style is undeniable.

Dick Van Dyke was considered for the role of James Bond, which would have linked him to the franchise, but it likely would not have worked out well. He turned down the part, and this is similar to why stars like Austin Butler are now refusing to audition for the role – they believe a British actor should play the iconic British spy. It’s interesting to see the same debate happening now that it was almost 60 years ago.

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2025-11-21 18:36