After years of watching the James Bond movie series, fans of the suave secret agent have learnt a few good things about him.
We all know that he likes his Martini shaken, not stirred; his favorite exotic car is an Aston Martin; and his original preferred choice of weapon is the Beretta 418.
But that’s all surface-level stuff. Whether you’re a newbie to the franchise, or you’ve never thought too much into it, there are some facts about 007 that you might not know. Like how a ‘real’ James Bond once existed, or how huge his kill count actually is.
We’ve searched far and wide to gather the most interesting and fun James Bond facts – including trivia about the character and film cast, as well as behind-the-scenes details.
Fun things to know about James Bond
1. James Bond was Originally a Novel
You may consider the Bond saga as one of the most popular movie franchises of all time, but in fact, these iconic films are based on books. The character was created by journalist and author Ian Fleming, with his first novel, Casino Royale, published in 1953.
2. Ian Fleming Was a Real Spy
Ian Fleming had a lot in common with his fictional character. Not only did he also like his Martini shaken, but he was a spy, too. Ian was recruited into the Royal Navy’s Naval Intelligence team and became the personal assistant to Admiral John Godfrey. According to a James Bond fan-theory, his experience inspired the icon that is 007.
3. Sean Connery Wore a Toupee
The first Bond actor (and to some, the best), Sean Connery, started balding at the age of 21. This meant he had to wear a toupee when playing the role. Surprisingly, it didn’t fly off while performing stunts and big maneuvers. But while filming Diamonds Are Forever, actor Joe Robinson accidentally pulled the toupee off during a fight scene. Now that would have hurt Bond’s ego!
4. Bond’s Parents Died When He was 11
Want to know more about Bond’s past? Who are his parents and when was he born (jump to the next fact for that one!)? According to an obituary Ian Fleming wrote for You Only Live Twice, the international Man of Mystery has an interesting history.
Bond’s parents go by the names of Andrew Bond, a Scottish man who owned a weapons company and Monique Delacroix, a Swiss woman. They both died when Bond was 11 years-old after a mountain climbing accident. He ended up living with his aunt and studied in Edinburgh before getting recruited by the Royal Navy.
5. Bond Has an Age
Unfortunately, Bond isn’t invincible. How old is the famous fictional spy? In Fleming’s novels, Bond is in his mid-to-late thirties. But in the movie, Casino Royale, Bond’s birthday is given as April 13th 1968, making him (or at least Daniel Craig’s version) 47 years-old.
That also happens to be the same day that the novel, Casino Royale was released and the same year Daniel Craig was born.
6. M’s House in ‘Skyfall’ Belonged to a Composer
M’s house in Skyfall isn’t just a regular old filming set. In fact, it is the former home of John Barry – the Bond music composer. That was handy for the movie creators!
7. The Early 007 Silhouette Isn’t Sean Connery
If you’re a fan of Bond, you’re familiar with the opening sequence that features 007 walking across the screen in silhouette, then turning and firing at the camera.
Most of us probably assumed we were watching Sean Connery. But in fact, he wasn’t the actor in this intro sequence. That would be Bob Simmons, Connery’s stuntman.
8. Bond has Been Shot Over 4000 Times
Here’s some James Bond trivia that might prove he is indeed invincible! According to NME, as of 2012, Bond has been shot a total of 4,662 times – across the first 50 years of the films.
Obviously since then, the number has risen closer to 5,000 following the release of Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die.
9. ‘Skyfall’ is the Most Successful ‘Bond’ Movie
According to Box Office Mojo, Skyfall is the most successful James Bond movie in the world. As of 2024, it has garnered a lifetime gross of $1.1 billion and falls at 28th place in the list of most successful movies of all time. Following that is Spectre with $880 million and then Quantum of Solace with $589 million.
10. The Theme Tune Wasn’t Intended for ‘Bond’
You wouldn’t be humming the same Bond theme tune today if it weren’t for this major event. The signature Bond theme was originally intended for a musical theater adaption of the V.S Naipaul novel, A House for Mr. Biswas.
Thankfully, it didn’t make it into the play, so the song was recomposed and handed to the James Bond franchise instead.
11. Bond’s Kill Count is Over 600
With the use of his Walther PPK or the many gadgets that Q hands to him, 007 has killed hundreds of enemies. In 24 movies, James Bond has killed 597 people, according to Screen Rant. With a few more killed in No Time To Die, you can assume that number is a lot higher now.
The highest number of on-screen kills by 007 was in GoldenEye. Pierce Brosnan’s Bond kills 47 people in this movie.
12. The Color Gold is Significant
More so a James Bond Easter Egg, but still a fun fact nonetheless! You must have realized by now that ‘gold’ seems to follow Bond everywhere. It appears in the titles of three Bond movies and in Goldfinger, Jill Masterson dies of skin suffocation after being painted in it.
Well, Bond’s story actually materialized on a gold-plated typewriter. He bought the Royal Quiet Deluxe Portable typewriter from a New York dealer in 1952 to celebrate the completion of Casino Royale, the first James Bond novel. It later sold at an auction for £50,000.
13. President Kennedy Watched ‘Bond’ Before He Died
We’re sure there are several famous fans of the dashing agent. But did you know one of them was this iconic president? President John F. Kennedy viewed an early showing of From Russia with Love at the White House on November 21st, 1963. It was the last film he ever saw before being killed the next day in Dallas.
14. An Actress Almost Died to be a Bond Girl
Talk about desperate times! Mie Hama, the actress who played Kissy Suzuki in You Only Live Twice, threatened to jump from a window at the Dorchester Hotel after being told that her English wasn’t good enough for the role. Just as they were about to cast someone else, the producers decided to let Mie continue filming.
15. ‘GoldenEye’ Isn’t Just a Movie Title
During World War II, Ian Fleming decided to name his estate in Jamaica, ‘GoldenEye.’ It was on this plot of land where he created the legend that is James Bond and 14 of the novels. What’s more interesting, he later sold this estate to Bob Marley.
16. Maud Adams is the Only Actress to Star as Two Bond Girls
Maud Adams was lucky enough to be cast in three James Bond movies. She first starred as Scaramanga’s girlfriend, Andrea Anders, in The Man With the Golden Gun, and later as a rich smuggler in Octopussy. She was also an extra in A View to Kill, but you would have to have been eagle-eyed to notice that.
17. Sean Connery’s Pay Check was a World Record
Apparently, Sean’s paycheck for Diamonds are Forever was a whopping $1.25 million in which he later donated to his charity, the Scottish International Education Trust. That might not seem a lot now, but back then it was enough to earn a place in the Guinness World Records. As of today, Daniel Craig is still the highest-paid Bond.
18. Daniel Craig Drove Aston Martins for Free
Actors who are lucky enough to be cast as James Bond also get to live his lavish lifestyle. That includes traveling the world, wearing the smartest clothes, and driving the nicest cars. According to Auto Evolution, Daniel Craig had the privilege of taking any Aston Martin model from the factory to drive for the rest of his life!
19. Roald Dahl Wrote One of the ‘Bond’ Scripts
Here’s an interesting fact some fans may not know. When Fleming died in 1964, other leading novelists were told to put pen to paper. Roald Dahl, the British author of classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach wrote the script for You Only Live Twice. #Midndblown!
20. Many Notable Actors Turned Down Bond
There are a few famous actors who turned down the Bond role. They include David Niven, Cary Grant, Patrick McGoohan, Christopher Lee, Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds, Adam West, Tom Jones, Liam Neeson, Mel Gibson, Sam Neill, Hugh Grant, Gerard Butler, Sean Bean, and Will Smith.
21. There are More Blofeld Actors than Bond Actors
Believe it or not, more actors have played the role of the cat-stroking Bond villain than that of the British Secret Service agent. There are a total of seven actors who have played Blofeld, while there are only six who have played Bond.
22. The Walther PPK Has a Link to Hitler
This is a strange fact that might blow your mind (pun intended). National Interest reported that the gun made popular by James Bond, the Walther PPK, is the same model that Hitler used to kill himself. #Insane!
23. Men Dressed as Women in ‘Goldfinger’
Here’s a fun (yet crazy) movie fact! Remember those female pilots flying the planes in Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus in Goldfinger? Well, according to Wikipedia, those “ladies” were actually men wearing blonde wigs – for the stunt scenes, at least! Here’s to hoping one of them didn’t catch Bond’s eye!
24. Pierce Brosnan Married a Bond Girl
This James Bond fact proves that Brosnan was destined for the role. He was in fact married to the Bond girl from For Your Eyes Only. Unfortunately, the actress, Cassandra Harris, died of cancer four years before Brosnan landed the Bond role in GoldenEye. She would’ve been proud.
25. M’s Name has a History
According to the novel, The Man With the Golden Gun, M’s full name is Sir Miles Messervy. So why is Bond’s boss referred to by a single initial, then?
Apparently, M, director of the British Secret Service was inspired by a real-life naval-intelligence officer. ‘Sir Mansfield Smith-Cunning’ was the founder of Britain’s Secret Service Bureau and used to initialize documents with the letter ‘C.’
26. Goldfinger’s Voice Was Dubbed
This piece of Goldfinger movie trivia will throw you off track! According to Roger Moore’s book, Bond on Bond, Gert Frobe’s (the actor who played Goldfinger) voice was dubbed.
The actor spoke poor English, so Michael Collins ended up voicing all of Goldfinger’s lines, which were then dubbed over Frobe’s performance. Who would have known?
27. Sean Connery Was Almost in ‘Skyfall’
When Skyfall rolled into theaters in 2012, Sean Connery was long past any opportunity to reprise his role as 007. But the idea of casting him in the movie was considered!
Director Sam Mendes wanted Connery to play the part of Kincade, the Bond family’s gruff but loyal groundskeeper. Ultimately, though, the producers thought the stunt casting would distract audiences.
28. Only One Singer Has Multiple Bond Songs
Like the sinister villain, fancy car, and Bond Girl, the Bond Song is a franchise staple. Each movie has one, and a popular artist has performed it. But only one such artist has recorded multiple Bond songs in the series: Shirley Bassey.
The best-selling artist delivered titular tracks for Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker – as well as a recording of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang intended for Thunderball that was never used.
29. ‘Casino Royale’s’ Stuntman is a Freerunning Pro
Casino Royale kicks off with an unforgettable action sequence where Bond chases Mollaka, an acrobatic adversary. Mollaka seems almost superhuman and most assume he’s aided by special effects. Well…not really. The character was played by Sebastien Foucan, who is recognized as the founder of freerunning.
30. Roger Moore Never Ran
Here’s a surprising James Bond fact! All of Roger Moore’s running scenes were filmed with a body double. Apparently, he felt that he looked awkward when running and so gave the job to a body double in all of his seven Bond films. Let’s just say he didn’t have Bond’s backbone and bravery in real life…
31. There Was Almost an American James Bond
Most fans think of 007 as a British character (even though George Lazenby is Australian!). But in 1970, after George Lazenby left the role, producer Albert Broccoli auditioned both Burt Reynolds and John Gavin.
Gavin won the role and signed a contract to star in Diamonds Are Forever. But in the end, the studios made a late pivot and delivered a massive payday to get Connery to return.
32. Pierce Brosnan Almost Played Bond Earlier
Pierce Brosnan starred as Bond in 1995’s GoldenEye. But he almost started nearly a decade earlier in The Living Daylights.
Brosnan was in competition with Timothy Dalton for the role, but couldn’t take it because he was busy filming Remington Steele. When this show was nearly canceled, Brosnan tried to have the 007 part sewn up. Ironically, this brought so much attention to Brosnan that Remington Steele had new life, wasn’t canceled, and Brosnan was unavailable to play Bond.
33. There was a Real ‘Ornithologist’ Named James Bond
Remember that scene early in Die Another Day when Bond attempts to pass himself off as an ornithologist with Jinx? What seems in the moment like a random cover is actually a tribute to 007’s namesake. Ian Fleming borrowed the name ‘James Bond’ from Birds of the West Indies author James Bond, a preeminent Caribbean ornithologist.
34. Sean Connery Wrote A Bond Movie
We all know Sean Connery as the first actor to play Bond. What a lot of people don’t know, however, is that Connery also tried writing a Bond film.
Connery was recruited by producer Kevin McClory, who gained the rights to make his own Bond film in the ‘70s. They penned a script for a movie called Warhead, which would have featured nuclear-armed robotic sharks. Sadly, the film was never made.
35. The Jetpack in ‘Thunderball’ Really Worked
Jetpacks seem a bit like flying cars – they’re otherworldly and are pretty much ‘futuristic’. Some will be surprised to learn, then, that the jetpack used in 1965’s Thunderball actually worked. It could only fly for 20 seconds. But as long as you took off and landed in that span of time, you had a working jetpack!
36. Bond Was Inspired by a 16th Century Spy
16th century scientific Renaissance man John Dee is rumored to have been a sort of spy working on behalf of England’s Queen Elizabeth I. He’s shrouded in mystery, but part of his legend is that he is alleged to have signed his correspondences with the queen “007.”
Ian Fleming adopted the signature for his spy character after visiting Manchester Cathedral.
37. Salvador Dalí Created Tarot Cards for ‘Live and Let Die’
In the 1970s, renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dalí designed a deck of tarot cards for use in Live and Let Die. The artist is said to have asked for over $7 million for the project, which led the studios to pass. But Dalí still completed the deck years later.
38. A 7th Man Has Played Bond
With Daniel Craig having left the 007 mantle behind, the Broccolis are (as of this writing) searching for what many will think of as the seventh James Bond actor. But in actuality, there have already been seven James Bond actors on screen.
In addition to Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, a man named David Niven took on the part. This was in 1967 for a one-off Casino Royale film that was not produced by EON.
39. Bond Fought The Rock’s Grandfather
Yes, you read that right. In You Only Live Twice, James Bond is on a mission in Japan when he ends up in a scuffle with a killer’s driver. Well, as it turns out, that driver is played by none other than “High Chief” Peter Maivia – pro wrestler, stunt coordinator, and grandfather of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
We wonder if The Rock has any interest in taking his own turn as a Bond adversary one day…
40. A Jinx Spinoff Was in the Works
Lots of fans enjoyed Halle Berry’s Bond girl turn as the enigmatic Jinx in Die Another Day. And with Berry erupting as a major film star at the time, the idea of a Jinx-based spinoff actually had legs. Supposedly, this project had a script, an $80 million budget, and a planned 2004 release before MGM decided to pull the plug.
Stocked up with 007 facts and inside information? We sure betcha!
Which one of these fun James Bond facts wowed you the most? Do you know any other secret details? Let us know in the comments below!
Originally published in November 2015.
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In the movie Goldfinger it was Jill Masterson not Tilly who was painted in gold paint, Tilly Masterson was killed by Oddjob and his hat.
I think Brosnan and Craig should how both got second!