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The James Bond A-Z Podcast

The James Bond A-Z Podcast

By The James Bond A-Z Podcast

Hosted by lifelong James Bond fans – film journalist Tom Butler, journalist Tom Wheatley, and improviser Brendan Duffy – The James Bond A-Z Podcast is an encyclopaedic introduction to the people behind the world’s greatest spy film franchise.

Going from A-Z, each episode covers the key creatives and characters from every James Bond film from 1962’s 'Dr No' to 2021’s 'No Time To Die', talking about Ken Adam to Max Zorin, and everything in-between (and yes, that includes 'Never Say Never Again').

The show shines a light on every aspect of the filmmaking process answering many of the questions you always wanted to ask about the 007 films, and we are occasionally joined by guests who offer a unique perspective on the films.

"Endearing" - Radio Times.

Note: This podcast is not affiliated with the James Bond brand, Eon, MGM or the Ian Fleming estate.
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Questions from the mailbag

The James Bond A-Z PodcastJun 02, 2022

00:00
01:02:32
S: Eric Serra, Bob Simmons, Spectre and more
Sep 09, 202201:03:49
Kim Sherwood: We've been expecting you

Kim Sherwood: We've been expecting you

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler and Brendan Duffy are joined by Kim Sherwood, the author of the new Bond book Double or Nothing, out now from Harper Collins.

The author of the new thriller set in the world of 007 shares the story of how she was introduced to Bond, discusses her family connection to the films, and reveals all about writing a Bond book without James Bond.

Kim also shares insight into her writing process, the cast characters in the new book, her plans for the trilogy of novels, and much more.

Follow Kim Sherwood on Twitter: twitter.com/kimtsherwood

If you want to take part in our 60th anniversary special, record a clip of yourself talking about your favourite, under-appreciated Bond movie moment and email the audio file (under 2 minutes please) to podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk before 26 September, 2022.

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Support the show by buying us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Shop James Bond A-Z t-shirts and merchandise: the-james-bond-a-z-podcast.creator-spring.com/

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk

Sep 03, 202231:04
R: Honey Ryder, Tatiana Romanova, Charles Robinson and more

R: Honey Ryder, Tatiana Romanova, Charles Robinson and more

Sep 01, 202258:11
Quantum of Solace (2008)

Quantum of Solace (2008)

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler and Brendan Duffy are joined by Ajay Chowdhury, the co-author of the acclaimed 800-page Bond biography Some Kind of Hero and spokesperson of the James Bond International Fan Club, to do a deep dive into the story behind 2008's Quantum of Solace, starring Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007.

The episode covers the story of the follow up to 2006's Casino Royale, which faced an intense production schedule, script problems, and a director change partway through pre-production.

We explore the cast of creatives behind the scenes, the locations used in the movie, and the post-production scramble to get it into cinemas in time. 

We also look at the film's legacy from its box office and critical response, to its current standings with with 007 fans around the world.

Ajay Chowdhury is a writer, producer and entertainment lawyer. He is the co-author of SOME KING OF HERO: The Remarkable Story Of The James Bond Films.

If you want to take part in our 60th anniversary special, record a clip of yourself talking about your favourite, under-appreciated Bond movie moment and email the audio file (under 2 minutes please) to podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk.

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Follow Ajay on Twitter: twitter.com/acetoots

Support the show by buying us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Shop James Bond A-Z t-shirts and merchandise: the-james-bond-a-z-podcast.creator-spring.com/

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk

Aug 25, 202201:41:04
Q: Desmond Llewelyn, Ben Whishaw, the gadgets and more

Q: Desmond Llewelyn, Ben Whishaw, the gadgets and more

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler and Brendan Duffy are joined by journalist Mark Harrison to do a deep dive into Q, the MI6 Quartermaster who has appeared in 22 out of the 25 Eon Bond films, as well as 1967's Casino Royale and 1983's Never Say Never Again.

The episode takes a look at the history and origins of Q in the Ian Fleming novels, discussing his likely inspirations and early appearance in Dr No. We also take a look at the rich life and career of Desmond Llewelyn, the actor with the most appearances in the entire film series from 1963's From Russia With Love to 1999's The World Is Not Enough.

We dig into the other incarnations of Q from Geoffrey Bayldon in Casino Royale to Alec McCowen in Never Say Never Again, and Ben Whishaw's modern take on the character. We're saving John Cleese's R for a later episode.

It wouldn't be an episode on Q without discussing his many gadgets too, and we've also squeezed in a little quiz at the end for those that want to take part.

If you want to take part in our 60th anniversary special, record a clip of yourself talking about your favourite, under-appreciated Bond movie moment and email the audio file (under 2 minutes please) to podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk.

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Follow Mark Harrison on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHarrison90

Support the show by buying us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Shop James Bond A-Z t-shirts and merchandise: the-james-bond-a-z-podcast.creator-spring.com/

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk

Aug 18, 202201:33:41
P: Paloma, Pinewood, Purvis & Wade and more

P: Paloma, Pinewood, Purvis & Wade and more

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast host Tom Butler is joined by George Aldridge of Cinema Savvy and Mark O'Connell, author of Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan to explore the characters and creatives behind the 007 films that fall under the letter P.

Topics covered include:

Paloma, the instantly iconic No Time To Die character played by Ana De Armas

Pinewood Studios, the spiritual home of the James Bond movies since 1962's Dr No, and home of the 007 Stage

Gary and Greg Powell who are part of a incredible family of 007 stunt performers

General Pushkin, the memorable The Living Daylights character played by John Rhys-Davies

Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, the incumbent Bond screenwriters who have written every 007 film since 1999's The World Is Not Enough

And Sheriff JW Pepper, the returning character played by Clifton James in Live and Let Die and The Man With The Golden Gun

If you want to take part in our 60th anniversary special, record a clip of yourself talking about your favourite, under-appreciated Bond movie moment and email the audio file (under 2 minutes please) to podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk before 26 September, 2022.

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Follow George Aldridge on Twitter: twitter.com/aldridge96_afc

Subscribe to Cinema Savvy: youtube.com/cinemasavvy

Follow Mark O'Connell on Twitter: twitter.com/Mark0Connell

Buy us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Shop James Bond A-Z t-shirts and merchandise: the-james-bond-a-z-podcast.creator-spring.com/

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk

Aug 11, 202201:20:27
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast host Tom Butler is joined by Alan Porter (James Bond Lexicon) and Mike Reyes (Cinemablend) to do a deep dive into the story behind 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service, starring George Lazenby as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007.

The episode covers the story of George Lazenby's one and only 007 film, from the (second) exit of Sean Connery from the role of Bond and the casting net that eventually snared the Australian model-turned-actor, to the production that spanned Portugal and the Alps, right up to Lazenby's decision to quit the role after just one movie.

We also look at the film's legacy from its box office and critical response, to its current standings with with 007 fans around the world.

If you want to take part in our 60th anniversary special, record a clip of yourself talking about your favourite, under-appreciated Bond movie moment and email the audio file (under 2 minutes please) to podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk.

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Follow Mike Reyes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrControversy83

Visit The James Bond Lexicon.
Follow The James Bond Lexicon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BondLexicon
Follow Alan on Twitter: twitter.com/alanjporter
The James Bond Lexicon is on sale now.

Support the show by buying us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Shop James Bond A-Z t-shirts and merchandise: the-james-bond-a-z-podcast.creator-spring.com/

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk


Aug 04, 202201:56:12
Octopussy (1983)

Octopussy (1983)

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler and Brendan Duffy are joined by Cam Smith from the SpyHards podcast to do a deep dive into the story behind 1983's Octopussy, starring Sir Roger Moore as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007.

The episode covers the story of Roger Moore's sixth outing as Bond which came out the same year as Never Say Never Again, Sir Sean Connery's final outing as 007.

You'll learn about how the film was developed, how Roger was enticed to return (and the actor who had been hired to replace him), where it was made, how the stunts came together and much more.

We also look at the film's legacy from its box office and critical response, to its current standings with with 007 fans around the world.

If you want to take part in our 60th anniversary special, record a clip of yourself talking about your favourite, under-appreciated Bond movie moment and email the audio file (under 2 minutes please) to podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk.

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Follow SpyHards on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpyHards

Follow Cam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/camvsmith

Support the show by buying us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Shop James Bond A-Z t-shirts and merchandise: the-james-bond-a-z-podcast.creator-spring.com/

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk


Jul 28, 202201:29:28
O: Oddjob, Xenia Onatopp, Oscars and more
Jul 21, 202256:31
Mark Salisbury: We've been expecting you

Mark Salisbury: We've been expecting you

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler and Brendan Duffy are joined by author and journalist Mark Salisbury, the author of Titan Books' No Time To Die: The Making of the Film, making his podcasting debut.

The author of the official making of book for No Time To Die, who enjoyed unparalleled access to the set of the 25th James Bond film, joins the team to reveal how he got the gig, what he knows about Danny Boyle's version of the film, who he spoke to on set, and how the book came together.

He discusses how secrets were kept on set, reveals a deleted action scene that was cut from the final film, and talks about that ending. He also reveals what to expect from his next James Bond book Being Bond, A Daniel Craig Retrospective, which will be released in September, 2022.

If you want to take part in our 60th anniversary special, record a clip of yourself talking about your favourite, under-appreciated Bond movie moment and email the audio file (under 2 minutes please) to podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk before 26 September, 2022.

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Follow Mark Salisbury on Twitter: htwitter.com/mark_salisbury

Support the show by buying us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Shop James Bond A-Z t-shirts and merchandise: the-james-bond-a-z-podcast.creator-spring.com/

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk


Jul 14, 202241:31
No Time To Die (2021)
Jul 07, 202201:51:16
Never Say Never Again (1983)
Jun 30, 202201:21:07
N: Nick Nack, Necros, Monty Norman and more
Jun 23, 202201:09:33
Moonraker (1979)
Jun 16, 202201:46:02
M: Bernard Lee, Robert Brown, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and more
Jun 09, 202201:15:46
Questions from the mailbag
Jun 02, 202201:02:32
Roger Moore - Part 2/2
May 26, 202201:11:24
Roger Moore - Part 1/2
May 19, 202201:06:38
Miss Moneypenny
May 12, 202201:10:28
M: Richard Maibaum, Tom Mankiewicz, Sam Mendes and more
May 05, 202201:15:53
Gareth Owen: We've been expecting you
Apr 28, 202201:10:25
Mark Millar: We've been expecting you
Apr 21, 202201:07:20
Felix Leiter

Felix Leiter

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler, Brendan Duffy, and Tom Wheatley are joined by Alan J. Porter of The James Bond Lexicon to take a look at the character of Felix Leiter.

The character of Felix Leiter is integral to the story of Bond and originates in Ian Fleming's 007 novels. James Bond’s trusted ally has appeared in 10 of the 25 official 007 films so far, played by seven different actors. He's also appeared in 'Never Say Never Again' and countless James Bond stories in comic, book, and cartoon form.

This episode takes a look at every incarnation to date and covers portrayals by Jack Lord, Cec Linder, Rick Van Nutter, Norman Burton, David Hedison, Bernie Casey, John Terry, and Jeffrey Wright. Alan also sheds light on the early TV version of Leiter, plus recommends the best alternate versions of the character to date.

Visit The James Bond Lexicon.
Follow The James Bond Lexicon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BondLexicon
Follow Alan on Twitter: twitter.com/alanjporter
The James Bond Lexicon is on sale now.

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk

Buy us a coffee: ko-fi.com/jamesbondatoz

Apr 14, 202201:21:52
Live And Let Die (1973)
Apr 07, 202201:46:11
Licence To Kill (1989)
Mar 31, 202201:48:06
George Lazenby
Mar 24, 202201:05:59
L: Peter Lamont, Lotus Esprit, Vesper Lynd and more
Mar 17, 202201:02:41
K: Michael Kamen, Daniel Kleinman, Burt Kwouk and more
Mar 10, 202201:16:15
J: Jamaica, Jaws, Jinx and more
Mar 03, 202201:05:01
H/I: Guy Hamilton, Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Hunt and more
Feb 24, 202201:07:48
Goldfinger (1964)
Feb 17, 202201:30:17
GoldenEye (1995)
Feb 10, 202201:49:38
G: Lewis Gilbert, John Glen, General Gogol and more
Feb 03, 202201:07:40
We've been expecting you: Dr Llewella Chapman on From Russia With Love

We've been expecting you: Dr Llewella Chapman on From Russia With Love

On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler and Brendan Duffy are joined by film historian Dr Llewella Chapman, author of Fashioning James Bond: Costume, Gender and Identity in the World of 007.

Dr Chapman joins us to talk about her excellent new book on the costumes of James Bond, her upcoming BFI Film Classics book about From Russia With Love, and much much more.

For 35% off Fashioning James Bond: Costume, Gender and Identity in the World of 007, order it from www.bloomsbury.com and use the following discount code before the end of February 2022. UK: BONDUK, North America: BONDUS, Australia: BONDAU

On this episode Dr Chapman discusses how her new book came together, discusses the James Bond tailors that she interviewed, and her experiences reading the original Ian Fleming manuscripts.

She also discusses the importance of costuming in From Russia With Love and the Bond films at large, her hopes for the future of 007, and much, much more.

Follow Llewella on Twitter: @LlewellaChapman

Follow Llewella on Instagram: @LlewellaChapman

James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesbondatoz
Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/jamesbondatoz
Email us on: podcast@jamesbondatoz.co.uk

Jan 27, 202201:07:43
From Russia With Love (1963)
Jan 20, 202201:15:29
'No Time To Die' festive spoiler special
Dec 23, 202101:14:00
We've been expecting you: Jonathan Sothcott on For Your Eyes Only
Dec 16, 202159:31
For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Dec 09, 202101:50:12
F Part 2: Tom Ford, Marc Forster, Cary Joji Fukunaga and more
Dec 02, 202101:10:07
We've been expecting you: Raymond Benson on Ian Fleming
Nov 25, 202156:02
Ian Fleming
Nov 18, 202101:34:35
F Part 1: Bruce Feirstein, Strawberry Fields, Nick Finlayson and more
Nov 11, 202154:11
E: Idris Elba, Robert Elswit, Eon and more
Nov 04, 202155:53
D Part 3: Dolly, Domino, Jim Dowdall and more
Oct 28, 202152:22
We've been expecting you: Professor Melanie Williams on Dr No
Oct 21, 202155:48
Dr. No (1962)
Oct 14, 202101:31:50
No Time To Die - spoiler-free reaction
Oct 07, 202149:09
We've been expecting you: Chris Tilly on Die Another Day
Sep 30, 202101:21:01
Die Another Day (2002)
Sep 23, 202101:56:21
We've been expecting you: Xan Brooks on Diamonds Are Forever
Sep 16, 202101:04:56