*Never Say Never Again*

*Never Say Never Again* is a 1983 spy film featuring the character James Bond. The film is a remake of the earlier Eon Productions Bond film Thunderball, stemming from a long-running legal dispute over the film rights to the original story. Directed by Irvin Kershner and starring Sean Connery returning to the role after a twelve-year absence, the production existed outside the canonical series produced by Eon Productions and Albert R. Broccoli. The film was a commercial success but received a mixed critical reception, noted for its distinct tone and legal peculiarities within the broader film franchise.

Plot

The narrative follows a retired James Bond who is recalled to active duty by M of the Secret Intelligence Service to investigate the theft of two nuclear warheads. The villainous organization SPECTRE, led by Ernst Stavro Blofeld, is behind the plot, with operations masterminded by Max von Sydow. Bond travels to the Bahamas and the French Riviera, confronting the primary antagonist, Largo, played by Klaus Maria Brandauer. He is aided by the CIA agent Felix Leiter and encounters the femme fatale Fatima Blush, portrayed by Barbara Carrera, and the romantic interest Domino Petachi, played by Kim Basinger. The climax involves a dramatic underwater battle reminiscent of the original film's finale, culminating at Largo's palatial base.

Production

The film's origins lie in a legal battle dating back to the 1960s between Eon Productions and the original Thunderball co-writer, Kevin McClory. A 1963 court settlement granted Kevin McClory certain film rights, leading to this independent production. After years of development attempts, producer Jack Schwartzman secured financing and assembled the creative team. Director Irvin Kershner, fresh from Star Wars success, was hired, and Lorenzo Semple Jr., known for his work on the Batman series, wrote the screenplay. Principal photography took place in locations including Nice, the Château de la Napoule, and Lyford Cay. The production faced challenges, including script revisions and comparisons to the contemporaneous Eon film Octopussy.

Cast

Sean Connery returned to portray James Bond, having last played the role in Diamonds Are Forever. Klaus Maria Brandauer delivered a nuanced performance as the villain Largo, and Max von Sydow appeared as the iconic Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Barbara Carrera played the assassin Fatima Blush, while Kim Basinger featured as Domino Petachi. The supporting cast included Edward Fox as M, Alec McCowen as Q, and Pamela Salem as Miss Moneypenny. Bernie Casey portrayed Felix Leiter, and Rowan Atkinson made an early film appearance as a bumbling official.

Release and reception

The film was released by Warner Bros. in October 1983, strategically scheduled shortly after the rival Bond film Octopussy from United Artists. It performed well at the box office, grossing over $160 million worldwide. Critical opinion was divided; some praised Sean Connery's return and the performances of Klaus Maria Brandauer and Barbara Carrera, while others criticized its pacing and perceived lack of innovation compared to the Eon Productions series. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for "Never Say Never Again," performed by Lani Hall. Its legacy is often discussed in the context of James Bond film history and copyright law.

Legal status and home media

Due to its unique copyright situation, the film has occupied a separate legal niche from the official Eon Productions series. The rights, stemming from the litigation involving Kevin McClory, have changed hands several times, involving entities like Sony Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. For decades, its home video distribution was inconsistent, often lagging behind the main Bond series. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray by various distributors, including Fox Video and later Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer themselves, following the resolution of complex rights issues. Its availability on streaming platforms has also been subject to these enduring legal arrangements.