History of James Bond in Timeline
The James Bond series, originating from Ian Fleming's novels and short stories, features the fictional British secret agent, James Bond. Following Fleming's death, numerous authors continued the series with authorized novels and novelizations, including Kingsley Amis, Christopher Wood, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, Sebastian Faulks, Jeffery Deaver, William Boyd, and Anthony Horowitz. Charlie Higson explored James Bond's younger years, while Kate Westbrook provided insights into the series through the perspective of Moneypenny's diaries. The latest installment, "With a Mind to Kill," was written by Anthony Horowitz and published in May 2022.
November 1920: James Bond's Fictional Birthdate
Although Ian Fleming did not provide James Bond's birthdate, John Pearson's fictional biography of Bond, "James Bond: The Authorized Biography of 007", states that he was born on November 11, 1920.
November 1921: Alternative Birthdate for James Bond
John Griswold suggests in a study that James Bond was born on November 11, 1921, a year later than the date provided by John Pearson.
1953: Creation of James Bond
British author Ian Fleming created the fictional character James Bond in 1953, featuring him in twelve novels and two short-story collections.
1953: Publication of "Casino Royale"
Following a recommendation from Ian Fleming's brother, Peter, "Casino Royale" was published in 1953 by Jonathan Cape.
1953: Ian Fleming's Vision for James Bond
When Ian Fleming wrote the first James Bond novel in 1953, he envisioned the character as an ordinary man to whom extraordinary things happened. He even chose the name "James Bond" for its dullness.
1957: James Bond Comic Strip Agreement
Ian Fleming agreed to adapt his James Bond stories into comic strips for the Daily Express in 1957.
July 1958: "Casino Royale" Comic Strip Debut
The first James Bond comic strip, "Casino Royale", was published in the Daily Express in July 1958. It was written by Anthony Hern and illustrated by John McLusky.
December 1958: "Casino Royale" Comic Strip Concludes
The "Casino Royale" comic strip concluded its run in the Daily Express in December 1958.
1958: "Moonraker" Radio Adaptation
In 1958, "Moonraker" was adapted for broadcast on South African radio, with Bob Holness voicing James Bond.
October 1962: "Dr. No" Comic Book Adaptation Released
A comic book adaptation of "Dr. No" was released in Britain in October 1962 as part of the Classics Illustrated anthology series.
1962: "Dr. No" Film Premiere
Eon Productions released the first James Bond film adaptation, "Dr. No", in 1962, based on the 1958 novel and starring Sean Connery as 007.
1962: "Bond ... James Bond" Debut
In 1962, the iconic line "Bond ... James Bond" was introduced in the film Dr. No, quickly becoming a recognizable catchphrase in popular culture.
1962: Dr. No Condemned by Vatican Newspaper
The Vatican City's official newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, condemned the film Dr. No in 1962, calling it a "dangerous mixture of violence, vulgarity, sadism and sex."
1962: Release of "Dr. No"
The first film in the James Bond series, "Dr. No", starring Sean Connery, premiered in 1962.
1962: "James Bond Theme" Debut
The iconic "James Bond Theme" was written by Monty Norman and first orchestrated by the John Barry Orchestra for the 1962 film Dr. No, marking the beginning of its enduring legacy in the franchise.
1962: Dr. No Sparks Spy Genre Trend
The release of Dr. No in 1962 sparked a significant trend in the spy genre, influencing a wave of secret agent films attempting to emulate Bond's success. The film's impact on popular culture and cinematic trends was undeniable.
January 1963: "Dr. No" Comic Reprinted in the United States
The comic book adaptation of "Dr. No" was reprinted in the United States by DC Comics in January 1963.
1963: Kevin McClory Wins "Thunderball" Remake Rights
A 1963 court case in London granted Kevin McClory the rights to produce a remake of "Thunderball".
1964: Ian Fleming's Death
Following Ian Fleming's death in 1964, eight other authors have written authorized James Bond novels.
1964: Carry On Spying Parodies Bond
In 1964, Carry On Spying emerged as a comedic parody of the James Bond franchise, poking fun at the conventions of the spy genre and Bond's suave persona. This parody highlighted Bond's growing presence in popular culture.
1964: "Bondmania" Begins
In 1964, the immense success of the film Goldfinger sparked "Bondmania," a surge in demand for Bond-related merchandise and products.
1964: Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger" Released
Shirley Bassey's powerful rendition of "Goldfinger" was released in 1964, becoming one of the most celebrated Bond theme songs and a defining moment in the franchise's musical history.
1964: Gadgets Take Center Stage in Goldfinger
The 1964 release of Goldfinger marked a turning point for the James Bond franchise, as spy gadgets took on a more prominent role. The film's success solidified the use of gadgets as a key element in Bond's arsenal.
1965: Release of "Thunderball"
"Thunderball", starring Sean Connery as James Bond, was released in 1965.
1965: Time Magazine Recognizes Bond's Popularity
In 1965, Time magazine declared James Bond the "biggest mass-cult hero of the decade".
1965: Publication of "The James Bond Dossier"
Kingsley Amis published a literary study of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels in his 1965 work "The James Bond Dossier."
1965: The Ipcress File Offers an Alternative to Bond
The release of The Ipcress File in 1965, starring Michael Caine, provided a contrasting perspective to the James Bond archetype. The film's protagonist, Harry Palmer, was presented as a more grounded and relatable spy, appealing to a different audience.
1966: Posthumous Publication of Bond Novels
After Ian Fleming's death in 1964, two more James Bond novels, "The Man with the Golden Gun" and "Octopussy and The Living Daylights," were published posthumously in 1966.
1966: Peak of Spy Film Popularity
The spy genre reached its peak popularity in 1966, with numerous secret agent films released, largely influenced by the success of the James Bond franchise. This year signified the height of Bond's impact on cinematic trends.
1966: Yaroslav Horak Becomes James Bond Comic Artist
Yaroslav Horak replaced John McLusky as the artist for the James Bond comic strip in 1966.
1967: "Casino Royale" Parody Film Released
A parody Bond film, "Casino Royale", was released in 1967, starring David Niven as Sir James Bond.
1967: Release of "Casino Royale" (Spoof)
A spoof version of "Casino Royale" was released in 1967, starring David Niven as James Bond.
1967: Queen Elizabeth II Meets Sean Connery
Queen Elizabeth II met Sean Connery at the premiere of You Only Live Twice in 1967, and according to biographer Gyles Brandreth, she was a fan of the early Bond films.
1967: Sean Connery's Final Eon-produced Bond Film
Sean Connery starred in his final Eon-produced Bond film, "You Only Live Twice", in 1967.
1968: Publication of "Colonel Sun"
Kingsley Amis, under the pseudonym Robert Markham, wrote a James Bond continuation novel titled "Colonel Sun," published in 1968.
1969: George Lazenby as James Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"
George Lazenby took on the role of James Bond for "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", released in 1969. This would be Lazenby's only outing as Bond.
1969: Matt Helm and Flint Films Continue Spy Trend
The release of the final Matt Helm film in 1969, along with the two Flint films released in 1966 and 1969, further demonstrated the enduring popularity of the spy genre, fueled by the success of the James Bond franchise and its influence on cinematic trends.
1969: Setting of "Solo"
William Boyd's "Solo", published in 2013, is set in 1969.
1973: James Bond Featured in "Omnibus: The British Hero"
A BBC documentary "Omnibus: The British Hero" was released in 1973, which included Christopher Cazenove playing James Bond in dramatised scenes from "Goldfinger" and "Diamonds Are Forever".
1973: Roger Moore Debuts as James Bond
Roger Moore was cast as James Bond in "Live and Let Die", released in 1973.
May 1977: Final James Bond Comic Strip Published
The last of the original James Bond comic strips concluded in the Sunday Express in May 1977.
1981: John Gardner Continues the Bond Series
John Gardner, a thriller writer, continued the James Bond series in 1981 with "Licence Renewed," updating the series to the 1980s while retaining the characters' ages as Fleming left them.
1981: Marvel Comics Adapts "For Your Eyes Only"
Marvel Comics published a two-issue comic book adaptation of "For Your Eyes Only" in 1981, coinciding with the film's release.
1983: Release of "Never Say Never Again"
A remake of the 1965 "Thunderball" film, titled "Never Say Never Again" and starring Sean Connery, was released in 1983.
1983: "Never Say Never Again" Released
Kevin McClory's remake of "Thunderball", titled "Never Say Never Again", was released in 1983, featuring Sean Connery's return as James Bond.
1983: Marvel Comics Adapts "Octopussy"
Marvel Comics released a comic book adaptation of "Octopussy" in 1983 alongside the film's theatrical release.
1983: First James Bond Video Game Released
The first James Bond video game was released in 1983, marking the franchise's expansion into the interactive entertainment realm. Developed by Parker Brothers, the game was available on various platforms including Atari and Commodore 64.
1983: James Bond 007: Role-Playing In Her Majesty's Secret Service Released
The tabletop role-playing game, James Bond 007: Role-Playing In Her Majesty's Secret Service, was released in 1983, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of espionage and experience the thrill of being a secret agent in a non-digital format.
1984: Publication of "The James Bond Bedside Companion"
Raymond Benson authored "The James Bond Bedside Companion", which was first published in 1984.
1987: End of James Bond 007: Role-Playing In Her Majesty's Secret Service
The popular tabletop role-playing game, James Bond 007: Role-Playing In Her Majesty's Secret Service, ceased publication in 1987, marking the end of its run as a beloved tabletop adaptation of the James Bond universe.
1989: New James Bond Comic Stories Published
Marvel, Eclipse Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Dynamite Entertainment began publishing new James Bond comic book stories starting in 1989.
1990: "You Only Live Twice" Radio Adaptation
BBC Radio 4 broadcasted a 90-minute radio play adaptation of "You Only Live Twice" in 1990, featuring Michael Jayston as James Bond.
1991: "James Bond Jr." Animated Series Premiere
An animated spin-off series, "James Bond Jr.", premiered in 1991, featuring Corey Burton as the voice of Bond's nephew.
1995: Pierce Brosnan Becomes James Bond
Pierce Brosnan debuted as James Bond in "GoldenEye", released in 1995, after a six-year hiatus in the film series.
1996: John Gardner's Retirement
After writing a total of 16 James Bond books, John Gardner retired in 1996 due to poor health.
1996: Raymond Benson Becomes Bond Author
Raymond Benson took over as the author of the James Bond novels in 1996.
December 1997: MGM Acquires Rights to "Never Say Never Again"
MGM purchased the rights to "Never Say Never Again" from Taliafilm in December 1997.
1997: GoldenEye 007 Released
1997 witnessed the release of GoldenEye 007, a groundbreaking first-person shooter game for the Nintendo 64. The game, developed by Rare, received critical acclaim, achieved commercial success, and set a new standard for James Bond video games.
1998: GoldenEye 007 Wins BAFTA Award
GoldenEye 007's success was further cemented in 1998 when it won the prestigious BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Award for UK Developer of the Year, recognizing Rare's outstanding achievement in game development.
December 1999: Tomorrow Never Dies Video Game Released
Electronic Arts released the Tomorrow Never Dies video game in December 1999, capitalizing on the success of the film and offering fans an interactive experience within the Bond universe.
October 2000: The World Is Not Enough Video Game Released
In October 2000, Electronic Arts launched The World Is Not Enough for the Nintendo 64, expanding their lineup of James Bond video games and delivering another action-packed experience based on the film.
November 2000: 007 Racing Released
Electronic Arts' 007 Racing was released in November 2000 for the PlayStation, introducing a racing-centric gameplay experience into the James Bond video game franchise, offering a unique take on the action genre.
2001: Monty Norman's Legal Victory
In 2001, Monty Norman, the composer of the "James Bond Theme", won a libel case against The Sunday Times, who disputed his authorship. This legal victory reaffirmed Norman's rightful claim to the composition.
2001: "Best-Loved One-Liner"
The line "Bond ... James Bond" was voted the "best-loved one-liner in cinema" by British cinemagoers in 2001.
2002: End of Brosnan's Tenure as Bond
Pierce Brosnan's run as James Bond concluded in 2002 after four films.
2002: Raymond Benson's Departure
Raymond Benson stopped writing James Bond novels in 2002 to focus on other projects, having written six novels, three novelisations, and three short stories in the series.
2003: James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing Released
Electronic Arts released James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing in 2003, a game featuring a star-studded cast including Pierce Brosnan, Willem Dafoe, and Judi Dench, adding a new level of cinematic immersion to the gameplay experience.
October 2005: "Guardian Angel" Released
The first book in the Moneypenny Diaries trilogy, "Guardian Angel", was released in the UK in October 2005.
November 2005: 007: From Russia with Love Video Game Released
November 2005 marked the release of Electronic Arts' video game adaptation of 007: From Russia with Love, featuring Sean Connery's likeness and voice, offering fans a nostalgic and immersive gaming experience.
2005: AFI Recognition
In 2005, the American Film Institute recognized "Bond ... James Bond" as the 22nd greatest quotation in cinema history and James Bond as the third greatest film hero.
2005: Start of the Young Bond Series
The Young Bond series, written by Charlie Higson, began in 2005, publishing five novels and one short story between 2005 and 2009.
January 2006: Aston Martin DB5 Auctioned
In January 2006, one of the Aston Martin DB5s used in the Bond films was sold at an auction in the United States for an impressive sum of $2.1 million, highlighting the car's iconic status and its desirability among collectors.
November 2006: "Secret Servant" Released
The second installment of the Moneypenny Diaries trilogy, "Secret Servant", was published by John Murray in November 2006.
2006: Casino Royale Video Game Cancelled
A planned video game adaptation of Casino Royale, intended to accompany the film's release, was unfortunately cancelled in 2006 as it wouldn't be ready in time. This cancellation led to the franchise's move from Electronic Arts to Activision.
2006: Daniel Craig Debuts as James Bond
Daniel Craig took on the role of James Bond in "Casino Royale", released in 2006, marking a reboot of the series.
May 2008: "Dr. No" Radio Adaptation
BBC Radio 4 aired a radio play adaptation of "Dr. No" in May 2008, with Toby Stephens as James Bond and David Suchet as Dr. No.
May 2008: Publication of "Devil May Care"
On May 28, 2008, the 100th anniversary of Ian Fleming's birth, Sebastian Faulks's Bond novel, "Devil May Care," was released.
May 2008: "Final Fling" Released
The final volume of the Moneypenny Diaries trilogy, "Final Fling", was released in May 2008.
October 2008: 007: Quantum of Solace Released
Following the franchise's move to Activision, 007: Quantum of Solace was released on October 31, 2008, coinciding with the film's release and providing players with an interactive extension of the cinematic narrative.
October 2008: Release of "SilverFin" Graphic Novel
The first Young Bond novel, "SilverFin", was adapted into a graphic novel and released on October 2, 2008 by Puffin Books.
2008: "Goldfinger" Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2008, Shirley Bassey's 1964 recording of "Goldfinger" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place as a musical masterpiece and recognizing its significant cultural impact.
2009: End of Higson's Young Bond Series
Charlie Higson's Young Bond series, which started in 2005, concluded in 2009 after publishing five novels and one short story.
April 2010: "Goldfinger" Radio Adaptation
A radio play adaptation of "Goldfinger" was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010. Toby Stephens reprised his role as James Bond, with Sir Ian McKellen as Goldfinger and Rosamund Pike as Pussy Galore.
November 2010: GoldenEye 007 Remakes Released
In November 2010, a reimagined GoldenEye 007 was released for the Wii, alongside a handheld version for the Nintendo DS, offering a modern take on the classic game and introducing it to a new generation of players.
2010: Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 Auctioned
Another Aston Martin DB5, specifically the one featured in the film Goldfinger, was auctioned off in 2010 for a staggering $4.6 million, further emphasizing the enduring appeal and value of these vehicles associated with the James Bond franchise.
May 2011: Publication of "Carte Blanche"
Jeffery Deaver's "Carte Blanche", which reimagines James Bond as a post-9/11 agent, was published on May 26, 2011.
October 2012: 007 Legends Released
007 Legends was released in October 2012, featuring missions inspired by each of the Eon Productions' Bond actors, providing a unique gaming experience that celebrated the franchise's history and offered a diverse range of gameplay scenarios.
2012: Sean Connery Voted Favorite Bond
A 2012 YouGov poll revealed that Sean Connery was the most popular James Bond actor among American fans across various demographics.
2012: Bond in the Olympics
In 2012, James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, appeared alongside Queen Elizabeth II in a skit for the opening ceremony of the London Olympics, representing the UK.
2012: Skyfall Receives Positive Review
In 2012, L'Osservatore Romano gave a positive review to the James Bond film Skyfall.
September 2013: Publication of "Solo"
William Boyd's "Solo", set in 1969, was published on September 26, 2013.
October 2013: Stephen Cole to Continue Young Bond Series
In October 2013, Ian Fleming Publications announced that Stephen Cole would continue the Young Bond series, with the first book planned for release in Autumn 2014.
May 2014: "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" Radio Adaptation
BBC Radio 4 aired a dramatized version of "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" in May 2014, starring Toby Stephens as Bond, Alfred Molina as Blofeld, and Joanna Lumley as Irma Bunt.
October 2014: Anthony Horowitz Announced as New Bond Author
Anthony Horowitz was announced as the writer of a new Bond continuation novel in October 2014, set in the 1950s and incorporating previously unreleased material by Ian Fleming.
2014: Global Popularity of Bond
In 2014, it was estimated that around 20% of the world's population had seen at least one James Bond film, demonstrating the franchise's widespread appeal.
2014: Planned Release of New Young Bond Novel
The first book in Stephen Cole's continuation of the Young Bond series was scheduled to be released in Autumn 2014.
September 2015: Publication of "Trigger Mortis"
Anthony Horowitz's first Bond novel, "Trigger Mortis," was released on September 8, 2015.
2015: Eon Gains Full Adaptation Rights
As of 2015, Eon Productions holds the complete adaptation rights to all of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels.
2015: James Bond Franchise Valuation
In 2015, the James Bond Franchise was estimated to be worth $19.9 Billion.
May 2018: Publication of "Forever and a Day"
Anthony Horowitz's second Bond novel, "Forever and a Day", detailing Bond's origins as a 00 agent before "Casino Royale", was released on May 31, 2018.
2018: American Bond Viewership
A 2018 poll indicated that 47% of American adults had watched at least one Bond film, with 27% having seen all of them.
2018: James Bond Museum Opens
A James Bond museum opened in 2018 in the Austrian Alps, situated atop the Gaislachkogl Mountain in Sölden.
March 2020: Bond Featured on Royal Mail Stamps
The Royal Mail issued a series of stamps in March 2020 to commemorate the release of the 25th Bond film, showcasing the character's cultural significance in the UK.
November 2020: Project 007 Announced
November 2020 saw the announcement of Project 007, an original James Bond video game being developed by IO Interactive in collaboration with MGM and Eon Productions. This announcement signaled a new era for James Bond video games, promising a fresh narrative and gameplay experience.
September 2021: Connery's Bond Criticized
In September 2021, No Time to Die director Cary Fukunaga criticized Sean Connery's portrayal of Bond, labeling it as "basically a rapist."
2021: Release of "No Time to Die"
The latest film in the James Bond Series, "No Time to Die", was released in 2021, featuring Daniel Craig in his fifth portrayal as James Bond.
May 2022: Publication of "With a Mind to Kill"
Anthony Horowitz's third Bond novel, "With a Mind to Kill", was published on May 26, 2022.
2022: "007: Road to a Million" Reality Show Launch
Amazon Prime Video released a reality competition show based on the James Bond franchise, "007: Road to a Million", in 2022.
February 2023: Bond Novels Edited for Sensitivity
In February 2023, Ian Fleming Publications conducted a sensitivity review, removing racially insensitive language, slurs, and disparaging remarks about women and homosexuality from the James Bond novels.
April 2023: Re-release of Edited Novels
The re-release of the edited James Bond novels, with disclaimers addressing the changes, is scheduled for April 2023 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Casino Royale.
May 2023: Publication of "On His Majesty's Secret Service"
Charlie Higson's first adult Bond novel, "On His Majesty's Secret Service", was published on May 4, 2023, in celebration of King Charles III's Coronation.
