Picture: The launch of the new James Bond novel held at Waterstone's, Piccadilly London, England - 27.05.08
Late James Bond creator IAN FLEMING originally wanted James Mason to play the suave spy.
Star Wars actor Christopher Lee, who counted Fleming as a cousin, is convinced Bond has never been captured on screen properly - and wishes Fleming had been allowed to cast the North By Northwest actor.
Lee says, "I know who Ian thought was the best person to play Bond: James Mason, who would have been marvelous.
"He had all the right qualities. I don't think anyone has ever succeeded in putting Ian Fleming's James Bond up on the screen.
"The closest in my opinion is Pierce Brosnan."
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