The Living Daylights was a bigger success than the last couple of Bond movies starring Moore. His next Bond film Licence to Kill was still successful in most markets, but didn't do as well in the United States. Legal disputes delayed the production of the next film. Dalton's contract expired before things were sorted out. Negotiations began again with him, but he decided to move on from the role. Pierce Brosnan would then be hired to become James Bond in the next film GoldenEye (1995).
Dalton had wanted to take the role back to its roots. He was a big fan of the Ian Fleming novels. He wanted Bond to be more cold, ruthless & serious. He felt that the franchise had gotten silly and outlandish over the years. Fans seem to be mixed over Dalton's turn as Bond. I personally think he was a great 007. While his two Bond movies aren't perfect, I enjoyed both of them. It's a shame that he didn't play the role in a couple of more movies. I do think that Dalton has gained more respect over the years, especially since Daniel Craig has become the latest actor to play Bond.
The Living Daylights:
Licence to Kill:
