The 007 Files

In this episode, Javi Trujillo and Bill Koenig sit down with James Bond continuation author Raymond Benson for a lively, wide-ranging conversation. Best known for carrying the literary torch after John Gardner, Benson returns to the world of 007—this time through the eyes of Felix Leiter. They delve into The Hook and the Eye , Benson’s forthcoming novel focused on Bond’s CIA ally. Set shortly afte...

In this episode of The 007 Files , Bill Koenig and Javier Trujillo and David Leigh sit down with author and researcher Jeremy Duns to explore two little-known chapters in Bond lore. First, Jeremy delves into the early attempts to adapt Casino Royale for the screen, revealing the strange paths the story might have taken. Then, we discuss his recent research into James Gunn: Secret Agent , a televis...

In this episode of The 007 Files, Scott and Cam from SpyHards podcast join Bill Koenig to explore the wider world of spy fiction—and how James Bond sits squarely at its centre. The trio discuss why the spy genre offers so much more than just 007, while recognising how deeply the Bond franchise owes its DNA to earlier classics like North by Northwest. The conversation ranges from John le Carré’s gr...

Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig and David Leigh get together once again for a wide-ranging discussion on the new producers taking the helm of the James Bond franchise at Amazon MGM Studios. We explore who they are, what their backgrounds might reveal, and how their influence could shape the future of 007 on screen. Before we get into that, we talk about the Oscars tribute to Barbara Broccoli and Michae...

In this episode, Bill Koenig and Javi Trujillo are joined by author and Bond historian Steven Jay Rubin for a revealing conversation centred on The James Bond Films: A Behind the Scenes History . Rubin shares how the book first came about and the incredible access he had in the late 1970s—including an unforgettable screening of an early cut of The Spy Who Loved Me alongside Ken Adam and Michael G....

Special guest Kyle Barbeau joins Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh as we continue our deep dive into The World Is Not Enough for its 25th anniversary. In this episode, we examine the lasting influence of screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, whose contributions have shaped the Bond series for over two decades. We also discuss the evolution of M’s role in TWINE and beyond, how the fi...

Hosts Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh are joined by special guest Kyle Barbeau to mark the 25th anniversary of The World Is Not Enough . We revisit our memories of its release, debate where it ranks among the 25 Bond films, and break down the explosive (and unusually long) pre-title sequence. We also reflect on Desmond Llewelyn’s final turn as Q and his lasting legacy. Along the way, w...

Today Amazon MGM and Eon Productions released a press release that stunned Bond fans everywhere. It details how Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson will be stepping back from the Bond franchise, with Amazon MGM taking over creative control. In this episode we discuss our initial reactions to the news, as well as our hopes and fears for Bond 26 and the future of James Bond. Recorded on 20th Febru...

Robert Short, an Oscar-winning film and TV professional, talks to Bill Koenig about his experiences with James Bond. Short has witnessed scenes from Diamonds Are Forever being filmed, worked on an unmade film project where Jane Seymour and Ken Adam would have participated, and worked with George Lazenby on a 1983 made-for-TV movie. Robert Short website:  http://www.robertshortfx.com/ Robert Short...

Neil S. Bulk, a freelance producer and editor who has worked on nine James Bond soundtracks for La-La Land Records, talks to Bill Koenig and Javi Trujillo. He discusses technical challenges, the work involved and how he feels he's never left high school. The ninth Bond album from La-La Land, Licence to Kill, is shipping now . Before that David Leigh joins Bill and Javi to briefly chat about Ia...

Bill Koenig and Javi Trujillo discuss the recent article by WSJ in which it is claimed that the relationship between Eon Productions boss Barbara Broccoli and MGM's new owner, Amazon, has broken down due to a clash over the future of 007. Recorded on 20 December 2024 in the USA. You can find us at: Javi Trujillo ⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/the...

In this final episode of the year—and the end of Season 1—Bill, Javi, and David dive into a range of topics to close out 2024 on a high note. We kick things off by discussing the news of a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remake and speculate on how this, along with Barbara Broccoli's involvement in Othello , might affect the timeline for Bond 26. Looking ahead, Javi suggests that Formula 1 should feature...

In this continuation of our exploration of The Man With The Golden Gun , we delve into the lasting legacy of the ninth James Bond film, celebrating 50 years of its impact. Bill Koenig shares a fascinating story about interviewing the former CEO of General Motors for a piece on Ford’s return to Bond with Die Another Day . The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we discuss Maud Adams’ double ap...

Join hosts Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Man with the Golden Gun , diving deep into its impact on the Bond franchise and its enduring legacy. From nostalgic first viewings—whether at the Circle Theater in Indianapolis, the St Albans Odeon, or via VHS in the 1980s—to the iconic locations that inspired countless Bond fans to visit Thailand,...

Jeffrey Westhoff, a long-time James Bond fan, is living the dream. He has published spy novels for the Young Adult market. Bill Koenig talks to Jeffrey about his new novel, From Wonderland With Love. They also discuss how Jeffrey became a Bond fan and how he interviewed Roger Moore. You can find us at: Bill Koenig https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/ Jeffrey Westhoff https://www.westhoffpws.com/jeffr...

In this second instalment celebrating 60 years of Goldfinger, Javi Trujillo is joined by Bill Koenig and David Leigh for a lively discussion delving into the film's enduring appeal and cultural impact. Together, we explore the world of Goldfinger merchandise, the iconic Aston Martin DB5 and Mustang, and the evolution of Felix Leiter’s portrayal over the years. We also dive into the film’s unforget...

In this 007th episode of the podcast, Javier Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh take a Licence to Legacy as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the seminal Bond film, Goldfinger . They dive into discussing their first experiences with Goldfinger , revisiting the film’s thrilling moments and discussing how it refined the plot of Ian Fleming’s novel to create an unforgettable cinematic advent...

Frieda Toth has extensively researched the life and times of Ian Fleming and the literary James Bond. She talks to Bill Koenig, one of the co-hosts of The 007 Files about Fleming's complicated life, how Fleming's Bond is different than the Eon films, and her views about the Eon Bond actors. Recorded in the United States on 26 October 2024 You can find us at: Frieda Toth https://x.com/3octaves   Bi...

What’s it really like to stay at Goldeneye, the secluded Jamaican estate where Ian Fleming dreamed up James Bond? In this episode, I chat with Darryl Marsch, a lucky guest who’s experienced the magic of Goldeneye twice. From strolling along the same beaches Fleming wandered to visiting the villa where Casino Royale was born, Darryl’s stories bring Goldeneye to life in vivid detail. Join us as we e...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Licence to Kill, Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh continue the conversation with guest Eoghan Lyng. This time around they first focus the spotlight on the Fleming material used in the film. They then ponder how much the drug angle alienated audiences and discuss whether we can learn anything about Bond 26 from the six-year hiatus that followed Dalton's se...

In this first part of our deep dive into Licence to Kill , Javi Trujillo leads the discussion with co-hosts Bill Koenig and David Leigh, along with special guest Eoghan Lyng. We kick things off by sharing our personal experiences of seeing Licence to Kill for the first time and reflecting on our initial reactions to Timothy Dalton’s darker, grittier take on Bond. As we revisit our first impression...

In this episode of The 007 Files, co-hosts Bill Koenig and Javi Trujillo discuss recent comments by an Amazon MGM executive about the Bond film franchise. They also take a look at one the least-loved Bond cars, the Ford Mondeo from 2006’s Casino Royale. Bill runs ⁠The Spy Command⁠ Javi writes for ⁠The James Bond Dossier Recorded on 11 October 2024 in the USA.

In this first episode of The 007 Files , hosts David Leigh, Bill Koenig, and Javi Trujillo kick off the podcast with a Mission Briefing . Join them as they explore the inspiration and ideas behind the podcast, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the world of James Bond. The hosts delve into their personal Bond origin stories, sharing what drew them into the universe of 007. The conve...