Connery was a smarter actor than he’s generally given credit for… but yes, even the best will often need a director.
Of course my Sean Connery Phantom Menace is directed by John Boorman, so… problem solved.
Yeah, Connery was smart but Connery himself admitted he didn't understand fantasy. He took the Quatermain LoEG role only because he had refused LotR and The Matrix.
John Boorman's Phantom Menace is a movie that doesn't get appreciated until 30 years after its release and even then every fan recommending it has to recommend it with a whole litany of disclaimers about how yes it's weird but also brilliant and you need to watch the whole thing.