Why did timothy Dalton only make two bond film?

Timothy Dalton portrayed James Bond in only two films, "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "Licence to Kill" (1989), primarily due to a shift in the franchise's direction and a change in the film industry landscape. After "Licence to Kill," the Bond series faced a lengthy hiatus due to legal disputes and the evolving market for action films. Additionally, Dalton's more serious and gritty portrayal of Bond contrasted with the lighter tone that audiences later expected, leading to a desire for a different interpretation of the character. Ultimately, Dalton stepped away, allowing for the eventual casting of Pierce Brosnan.