Becoming Bond

Becoming Bond

Year: 2017

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Josh Greenbaum

BiographyComedy

In an extraordinary turn of events, George Lazenby, an Australian mechanic with no prior acting experience, was cast as James Bond in *On Her Majesty's Secret Service*. This unexpected choice led to a brief but memorable portrayal of the iconic spy. What followed was even more surprising: Lazenby declined a lucrative seven-film contract and a substantial bonus, challenging expectations and forging his own path away from the role.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Becoming Bond yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Becoming Bond (2017) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Becoming Bond (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

The story unfolds through a deeply personal dialogue with George Lazenby, interwoven with vivid reenactments that breathe life into his words. In sharing the tale of his early struggles as an at-risk infant, Lazenby reflects on how failing as the only student in his school grade and walking across the graduation stage without a certificate shaped his resilience and determination to never again accept defeat.

In an unexpected twist, Lazenby left behind his life as a car mechanic to venture into the world of car sales. Struggling to secure even a single sale initially, he soon became captivated by the glamorous lifestyle of his successful colleagues, persuading the dealership’s manager to give him another chance. After another setback in selling cars, he enrolled in a workshop titled “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” The most memorable takeaway from this experience was a crucial lesson he learned: > “Listen first and let the other person do the talking.” This insight became pivotal in his evolution into a successful salesman, helping him gain the trust of embassy staff and leading to a fateful connection with the granddaughter of an Australian politician. When she decided to move to London, Lazenby, driven by hope and desire, followed her as an economic steerage passenger.

However, upon reaching London, he faced the harsh realization that she had moved on, pursuing a charismatic player on the Oxford University cricket team. Dejected and fearing failure once again, Lazenby’s attempts to win her heart ultimately set him on an unexpected path that would shape his destiny as he made his iconic mark as James Bond—a character celebrated for his ability to charm and win over the woman he loves.

The release of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969 saw Lazenby stepping into the role of the sophisticated spy, a performance that garnered praise, broke box office records, and launched him into the upper echelons of Hollywood stardom. Yet, despite the fame and fortune that accompanied becoming James Bond, Lazenby felt a profound loss of self, prompting him to walk away from the role after just one film. He chose to return to a more ordinary life in Australia, where he eventually found success as a realtor, got married, raised a family, and embraced a fulfilling, unpretentious lifestyle far from the allure of cinema.

As he reflects on his remarkable journey, the mist of nostalgia dissipates, revealing a sense of peace as George Lazenby considers the arcs of his life before and after his unforgettable role as James Bond. This newfound tranquility highlights the lasting significance of his performances, which, with time, have only grown in appreciation and respect. In recent years, Lazenby’s portrayal of the legendary spy has been celebrated anew, elevating On Her Majesty’s Secret Service to a cherished position within the Bond franchise—recognized by many as the pinnacle of the series. This enduring legacy underscores the timeless magnetism of Ian Fleming’s creation alongside the exceptional talent of George Lazenby.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:17

Unlock the Full Story of Becoming Bond

Don't stop at just watching — explore Becoming Bond in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Becoming Bond is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Becoming Bond Timeline

Track the full timeline of Becoming Bond with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Becoming Bond Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Becoming Bond

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Becoming Bond. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Becoming Bond

More About Becoming Bond

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Becoming Bond: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Becoming Bond

Similar Movies to Becoming Bond

Discover movies like Becoming Bond that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.