In the world of cinema, few actors have achieved the iconic status of Sean Connery. His portrayal of the suave British spy, James Bond, set a benchmark for future adaptations and established him as a household name. However, it was a different film, often regarded as a monumental misstep, that led Connery to ultimately step away from the silver screen.
Released in 2003, ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ aimed to provide a thrilling journey through a steampunk universe populated by beloved literary characters. Unfortunately, the film quickly revealed itself to be anything but extraordinary. Intended to revitalize the superhero genre, it instead marked the end of Connery’s illustrious career.
The struggles of adapting comic book stories
Hollywood’s history of adapting the works of Alan Moore, a renowned comic book writer, is mixed. From the acclaimed yet controversial adaptation of ‘Watchmen’ to the mediocre responses to films like ‘Constantine’ and ‘From Hell’, the success rate has varied widely. However, none of these adaptations experienced the level of disappointment that ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ did.
This film attempted to combine characters from Moore’s comic book with an original storyline, a decision that ultimately backfired. Despite Connery’s role as the group’s leader, Allan Quatermain, the film was widely panned. The ensemble cast included iconic characters such as Mina Harker, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Captain Nemo, all meant to unite against a shadowy villain known as The Fantom. Yet, the film failed to resonate with audiences or critics alike.
Connery’s disillusionment with Hollywood
Upon its release, ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ grossed approximately $179 million against a production budget of $78 million, but its reception was far from favorable. Critics were relentless in their assessments, with one notable review from Jamie Russell of the BBC describing it as “an extraordinary waste of time and money.”
Renowned film critic Roger Ebert echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the film’s chaotic narrative filled with “incomprehensible action” and “idiotic dialogue.” With a dismal critic score of just 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, it was evident that this cinematic effort had missed the mark. Connery’s experience on set was reportedly so distressing that he later described it as a nightmare, prompting him to reconsider his place in the industry.
The aftermath of a disappointing project
Although ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ was not the largest box office flop, it left a significant impact on Connery. After years of successfully navigating his career and breaking free from the shadow of James Bond, the film’s failure became a turning point. Connery’s frustration with the production was palpable; he was quoted in The Times saying the experience made him “fed up with dealing with idiots.”
This sentiment ultimately led to his decision to retire from acting altogether. Even an enticing offer from Steven Spielberg to reprise his role in the Indiana Jones franchise could not sway him. Connery declined the opportunity, stating that retirement was “too damn much fun.”
Final acts and legacy
Sadly, ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ marked the last time Connery took on a live-action role. Although he returned briefly for a voice role in the 2008 animated film ‘Sir Billi’, it was a far cry from the accolades he had previously garnered throughout his career. His final performance as James Bond in a video game in 2005 served as a reminder of the incredible legacy he had built.
In retrospect, Connery’s journey through film was filled with remarkable highs and devastating lows. Yet, it was a lackluster comic book adaptation that ultimately drew the curtain on a celebrated career, leaving fans and the industry to ponder what might have been.