Former James Bond actor Sean Connery was in talks to have a cameo in the later 007 film Skyfall, director Sam Mendes reveals in a new interview.

There was “definite discussion” about having Connery come on board to play Kincade, who’s role eventually went to Albert Finney. The character arrives later in the film when Bond arrives at his old home Skyfall. Having Connery involved would’ve been “problematic,” Mendes said to The Huffington Post. “To me, it becomes too … it would take you out of the movie. Connery is Bond and he’s not going to come back as another character. It’s like, he’s been there. So, it was a very brief flirtation with that thought, but it was never going to happen, because I thought it would distract.”

Later in the interview Mendes reveals how he got the directing gig. Lead star Daniel Craig had approached him at a party and asked off the cuff if he’d be interested in directing the next Bond film. It was at that moment that the director realized he would really enjoy being a part of the franchise. “I thought, You know, I’d really love that. I’d love to do something like that. And the more I thought about it, the more I felt, You know what, it’s going to surprise a few people — maybe even me. But, maybe that’s a good thing. And it snowballed from there.”

Do you agree with Mendes that having Connery appear would’ve taken everyone out of the story? With the classic feel of the film, it would’ve been a nice addition. Connery had the role of James Bond for seven films.

Skyfall opened in United States theaters this past Friday and has so far grossed $90 million domestically and $518 million worldwide.