James Bond. Agent 007. The name alone conjures up images of fast cars cool gadgets and shaken-not-stirred martinis. But beyond the on-screen action the actors who have played Bond have also accumulated some serious cash. Ever wondered which Bond is the wealthiest? Well grab your Walther PPK and let's dive into a ranking of James Bond actors by their net worth plus some tasty tidbits about who might be next to don the tux!
From Agent 007 to Agent Rich: James Bond Actors Ranked by Net Worth - You Might Be Surprised!
We've crunched the numbers and ranked the actors who've officially played James Bond in the Eon Productions films from least to most wealthy. Prepare for some surprises!
- George Lazenby - Net Worth: $20 Million
This Aussie actor only starred in one Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. He was the youngest Bond ever at 29! While his Bond got critical praise Lazenby decided to not continue in the role. His career after Bond was more low-key which contributes to his still impressive $20 million fortune.
- Timothy Dalton - Net Worth: $25 Million
Dalton brought a darker edgier Bond to the screen for two movies The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. He was known for a more serious take on 007. Outside of Bond Dalton has had a diverse career in film TV and theatre. Think Jane Eyre The Rocketeer and Penny Dreadful all adding to his $25 million net worth.
- Sir Roger Moore - Net Worth: $110 Million (at time of passing)
Sir Roger Moore was Bond for a whopping seven films from Live and Let Die to A View to a Kill. He was famous for his charming and humorous Bond. Before Bond Moore was already a TV star in The Saint. His long entertainment career plus his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador helped him amass a significant fortune estimated at $110 million when he passed away.
- Daniel Craig - Net Worth: $160 Million
Daniel Craig totally reinvented Bond as gritty and realistic. His five Bond films starting with Casino Royale revitalized the franchise. Skyfall even crossed the $1 billion mark! His Bond paychecks plus roles in films like Knives Out boosted his wealth to around $160 million. Interestingly Craig plans to donate much of his fortune saying inheritance is "distasteful".
- Pierce Brosnan - Net Worth: $200 Million
Brosnan brought suave sophistication to Bond for four films including GoldenEye and Die Another Day. He is credited with bringing Bond back to popularity in the 90s. Beyond 007 Brosnan has starred in movies like The Thomas Crown Affair and Mamma Mia!. His production company Irish DreamTime and environmental work also contribute to his impressive $200 million net worth.
- Sir Sean Connery - Net Worth: $350 Million (at time of passing)
Sir Sean Connery. The original. He defined James Bond for generations starting with Dr. No. Connery starred in seven Bond films total including classics like Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever. His charismatic and commanding presence set the standard for every Bond to follow. Outside of Bond Connery had an incredible career including an Oscar win for The Untouchables and roles in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. At his passing in 2020 Connery was estimated to be worth a staggering $350 million making him the wealthiest Bond actor.
Connery vs. Craig: The Ultimate Bond Showdown - Who Did It Better? Let's Discuss!
For many Bond fans the debate boils down to two iconic actors: Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. Both are incredible but who truly embodies the BEST James Bond? Let's break it down.
Team Connery: The Template Setter
Connery is often credited with CREATING the Bond template. He defined how Bond dressed acted drove fought and well...seduced. His Bond was a blend of charm and brutality. Think of his creative villain takedowns from nuclear reactors to piranha pools! Connery's dialogue is legendary packed with witty one-liners. He embodied the fantasy of Bond: the cars the travel the women the luxury. He was the ultimate alpha male 007.
Team Craig: Grit and Modernization
Craig modernized Bond for a grittier era. His Bond was closer to a real-world spy less gadget reliant and more human. Craig's Bond showed vulnerability he fell in love grieved felt pain. He was flawed and realistic. His action scenes were intense and groundbreaking. Even fellow Bond actors like Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton hailed Craig as the best Bond ever. Craig's films also dominated the box office proving he resonated with modern audiences.
The Verdict?
Both Connery and Craig are phenomenal actors who brought unique strengths to the role. Connery CREATED the icon while Craig MODERNIZED him. It really comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer the classic suave charm of Connery or the gritty realism of Craig? There's no wrong answer!
Is Taylor Swift's Ex the Next 007? Joe Alwyn Throws His Hat in the Ring and Sparks Bond Rumors!
Speaking of the next Bond the search is ON to replace Daniel Craig. And guess who's name is now in the mix? Joe Alwyn . Yep Taylor Swift's former beau just teased his interest in becoming the next James Bond at the Oscars red carpet.
When asked by a reporter if he wanted to play Bond Alwyn smiled and said "Oh wow. Who wouldn't throw their hat in the ring?" He even joked he'd take the role "if you’re offering!" and confirmed he likes martinis both shaken AND stirred. Adaptable Bond indeed!
Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have said finding the new Bond is a "big decision". They want someone who will bring a "new direction" to the role. Other actors rumored for the part include Aaron Taylor-Johnson Henry Cavill and Regé-Jean Page. Could Alwyn be a contender? He certainly seems interested and he has that British charm down.
The Bond producers are keeping tight-lipped for now but Joe Alwyn's name is officially part of the Bond conversation. Could we see him as the next 007? Only time will tell but it certainly adds another layer of intrigue to the search for the new James Bond.
James Bond Actors Ranked by Net Worth: From Least to Most Wealthy
- George Lazenby - $20 Million
- Timothy Dalton - $25 Million
- Sir Roger Moore - $110 Million (at time of passing)
- Daniel Craig - $160 Million
- Pierce Brosnan - $200 Million
- Sir Sean Connery - $350 Million (at time of passing)
Who is YOUR Best Bond? The Legacy Continues...
From Connery's classic cool to Craig's modern grit the actors who have played James Bond have each left their mark on cinematic history and amassed impressive fortunes along the way. The search for the next 007 is on and the future of the franchise remains as intriguing as ever. Who do YOU think is the best James Bond and who would you like to see take on the role next? Let us know in the comments!