Imagine Dick Van Dyke as James Bond. Yes, that Dick Van Dyke, the chimney sweep from Mary Poppins! It almost happened, and the reason it didn't is surprisingly self-aware. For decades, he's been good-naturedly ribbed about his, shall we say, unique attempt at a Cockney accent in the classic Disney film. But before Bert the chimney sweep, there was 007.
Van Dyke, who's barreling toward his 100th birthday, revealed on the Today show that Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, the legendary Bond producer, actually approached him about playing James Bond in the very first 007 film, Dr. No. Think about that: Dick Van Dyke, the song-and-dance man, as the suave, deadly secret agent!
According to Van Dyke, Broccoli asked him point-blank, "Would you like to be Bond?" Van Dyke's response? A touch of witty self-deprecation: "Have you heard my British accent?" And this is the part most people miss: This conversation happened before Sean Connery was cast in 1962. It highlights that Van Dyke was already keenly aware of his limitations when it came to accents well before Mary Poppins even entered the picture.
Since the release of Mary Poppins, Van Dyke has often joked about the accent, even blaming an Irish dialect coach for the result. He's also suggested, perhaps a little playfully, that his co-stars, including the London-born Julie Andrews, should have intervened if they thought his accent was off. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that the charm of Van Dyke's performance transcends the accent's accuracy. Was it so bad that it ruined the film? Or did it add to its whimsical, fantastical nature?
Despite the accent mishaps of the past, Van Dyke is still actively pursuing acting roles, declaring, "I don’t want to [retire], I mean, it’s my life. I love it.” His enthusiasm is infectious! Currently, he's promoting his new book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, a testament to his enduring positive spirit.
Van Dyke is also known for his incredible stories. For example, in 2010, he recounted being rescued from drowning by porpoises who nudged his surfboard back to shore after he fell asleep. Then, in 2013, he escaped a burning car on a California freeway. And just last year, in 2023, he had another close call when he crashed his Lexus into a gate during a rainstorm. It seems like Van Dyke lives life to the fullest, with a dash of near-misses thrown in for good measure!
The search for the next James Bond is still underway, following Daniel Craig's departure and Amazon's acquisition of the franchise rights. While actors from Scotland, Ireland, and Australia have famously portrayed Bond, no American actor since Van Dyke has been seriously considered, as far as we know. Although Scottish, Irish and Australian stars have taken on the role, no American since Van Dyke is thought to have been in contention. Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Theo James are currently rumored to be the frontrunners.
So, what do you think? Could Dick Van Dyke have pulled off James Bond? Is it a case of dodging a bullet (pun intended!), or a missed opportunity for a truly unique take on the iconic spy? And more broadly, how much does accent accuracy truly matter in performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
