Scoring a part in the James Bond franchise can make an actor’s career, but landing the chance to don the tuxedo, wield the pistol, and embody the iconic 007 agent often enhances not just their acting stature but their financial fortunes as well.
However, not all James Bonds were created equally, meaning some of the films' stars earned a lot more than others - and the realities of the paycheck disparities are surprising.
From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan and Roger Moore, the Ian Fleming stories created household names that still linger to this day, and redefined action movies across the decades.
While the world waits to see who will be cast next as the leading man in the iconic franchise, we're uncovering the different net worths of the James Bonds.
© Bettmann ArchiveSean Connery
As the original James Bond, actor Sean Connery set the tone for the secret agent and, to this day, remains the wealthiest of the lot.
He died in 2020, leaving behind an estate estimated to be worth $350 million. It was reported that he earned $17,000 for the first-ever film Dr. No, but then grew his earnings to roughly $6.7 million for the sixth and final Connery film, Diamonds Are Forever.
Several factors made him the highest-earning secret agent, including the fact that he starred in seven Bond films and had a stellar career afterwards, with roles in the likes of The Untouchables and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
© Getty ImagesPierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan is perhaps one of the most well-known figures to play Bond and, to this day, is the highest-earning living actor to profit from the film franchise.
At 72 years old, he has an estimated net worth of $200 million and counting, with a second season of MobLand returning later on this year.
He made the bulk of his money in the 1990s and 2000s and further boosted his fortune by appearing in blockbuster hits such as Mamma Mia!.
© Getty Images for EON ProductionsDaniel Craig
Cinema's most recent Bond agent, Daniel Craig, earned a very healthy paycheck during his time on the set of the action films and has an estimated net worth of $160 million.
He was reportedly the highest-paid actor per film, starring in five Bond movies alongside some massive names and banked a further $100 million for his part in the Netflix Knives Out franchise.
Despite his healthy financial state, he has publicly stated he plans on donating his fortune in the future rather than leaving it to his children, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Fiona Loudon and his current wife, actress Rachel Weisz.
© Getty ImagesRoger Moore
Competing with Sean for the record for most appearances as the agent, Roger Moore starred in seven films and had an estimated net worth of $110 million before he died in 2017.
The actor was best known for his portrayal of the agent and starred in the franchise from 1973 until 1985.
He passed away on 23 May 2017, at the age of 89, at his home in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, after a "short but brave battle with cancer," according to his family, who released a statement at the time.
© Getty ImagesTimothy Dalton
Timothy Dalton was 41 years old when he made his debut as James Bond in the 80s film The Living Daylights and went on to appear in his second and final film, Licence to Kill, when he was 43.
Aside from his stint as Bond, he carved out a respected career in theatre and film, starring as Rochester in the 1983 BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre and in Hot Fuzz and Penny Dreadful.
He has an estimated net worth of around $20 million to $25 million.
© Getty ImagesGeorge Lazenby
George Lazenby lasted for one Bond film and quit the franchise after appearing in 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. He was the second actor to play the official role, joining the ranks after Sean.
He went on to pursue business and real estate ventures, dipping his toe back into acting occasionally. The star, now 86 years old, has a net worth of roughly $20 million.
