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 after the events of Live and Let Die, the story explores what happens to Leiter in the aftermath of his encounter with a shark. Serialised digitally via Kindle and slated for paperback release later this year, the book promises mystery, period detail, and a fresh perspective on a familiar character.

Benson talks about the challenges of writing a one-armed protagonist, the meticulous research behind capturing mid-century America, and how the road trip from New York to Texas has changed since 1952. The episode also covers the contrast between writing Bond and writing Leiter, how first-person narration reshapes the storytelling, and why Fleming’s Leiter has never truly made it to the screen.

A must-listen for Bond fans and anyone interested in the craft of spy fiction.

Recorded on 16th May 2025 in the United States.

Raymond Benson

https://raymondbenson.com/

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 television concept developed by Henry Morgenthau III to which Ian Fleming contributed. Jeremy uncovered previously unreferenced correspondence between the two men, which led him to track down Fleming’s synopsis and pilot episode outline—held in the Lilly Library and on their way to him at the time of recording. A treasure trove for Bond fans curious about the road not taken.

Recorded on 5th May 2025 in the United States, Sweden and Spain.

Where to find us:

Jeremy Duns

⁠https://www.jeremy-duns.com/needtoknow⁠

• Rogue Royale (on Hecht's Casino Royale script material): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/rogueroyale
• Catch-007 (on Heller's Casino Royale material): Catch-007 — Jeremy Duns
• Agent of Chaos (Anthony Burgess' TSWLM material): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/agentofchaos
• Uncut Gem (Diamond Smugglers screenplay): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/uncutgem
• Gold Dust (Per Fine Ounce pages): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/b6y7tznrhhg6cmdjglb7dsxelb9zw7

The name is Gunn. James Gunn.

• https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/jamesgunnpart1
• https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/jamesgunnpart2

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/⁠

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 gritty realism to tales from interviews with Bond alumni, including Luciana Paluzzi and Lana Wood. It's in these personal moments that the human side of Bond truly comes to life.They also reflect on Jeff Kleeman’s behind-the-scenes efforts to get Goldeneye made, and share thoughts on Amazon’s grip on the future of the franchise.Whether you're a die-hard Bond fan or simply fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes, this is a deep dive you won’t want to miss.

Recorded on 1st May 2025 in the USA, Canada and UK.

Spyhards

https://www.spyhards.com

Bill Koenig

https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com

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 Michael G Wilson and how it was hastily assembled to be ready just days after the news that they had agreed to give up creative control of 007 to Amazon MGM. We also reflect on the recent deaths of Bruce Glover—Mr Wint from Diamonds Are Forever—and legendary Bond poster artist Robert McGinnis. Plus, there’s a preview of Raymond Benson’s upcoming Felix Leiter novel and our thoughts on the new 4K Sean Connery Bond box set.

Whether you’re a longtime Bond fan or just curious about what’s next for the series, there’s plenty to enjoy in this episode.

Recorded on 11th April 2025 in the United States and Spain.

You can find us at:

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/

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. Wilson.

Rubin opens up about interviewing Cubby Broccoli, the mistake of sharing transcripts with him, and the behind-the-curtain tensions that followed—and reveals why Michael G. Wilson stopped speaking to him.The discussion takes fascinating turns: how he was forced to use his creativity to source over 200 images for the book, the notorious Criterion Collection laserdisc commentaries and why they were banned, and talking vaudeville with Harry Saltzman. Rubin also reflects on his later work—including The James Bond Movie Encyclopedia

Looking ahead, he offers candid thoughts on what Amazon should (and shouldn't) do with the franchise, why Bond must remain contemporary, and why—despite the action and glamour—it’s ultimately a family series.

With sharp insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on Bond’s legacy and future, this episode is essential listening for any Bond fan who wants to go deeper than the gun barrel.

Where to find us

Steven Jay Rubin

https://www.stevenjayrubin.com/

Bill Koenig

https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough⁠⁠

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 film handled its rare female villain, and what these choices meant for the franchise at the time.

Along the way, we share personal connections to the film, discuss whether it is Brosnan's Goldfinger, reflect on David Arnold’s score and question whether it’s time for his long-awaited return to the series, and consider the lessons Amazon might take from it as they shape the future of 007. Packed with analysis, nostalgia, and a few unexpected tangents, this is an episode no Bond fan should miss!

This episode was recorded on 22nd February in the United States and Spain.

You can find us at:

Kyle Barbeau

⁠https://www.instagram.com/easysmilesandexpensivewatches⁠

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough⁠⁠

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com⁠

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, we veer into pondering where a James Bond Mount Rushmore should be located and whether Amazon might take inspiration from Casino Royale (1954) for future Bond projects.

It’s an episode filled with nostalgia, deep dives, and a few unexpected tangents. Don’t miss it!

This episode was recorded on 22nd February in the United States and Spain.

You can find us at:

Kyle Barbeau

https://www.instagram.com/easysmilesandexpensivewatches/

Javi Trujillo

⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠ or ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠

Bill Koenig

⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠

David Leigh

⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/

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 February 2025 in the United States and Spain.

You can find us at:

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/

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 wins an Oscar in 1989: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhWOXk6__-E

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 Ian Fleming Publications' plans for 2025, including a book of previously unseen material by Ian Fleming.

Recorded on 28th and 29th January 2025 in the United States and Spain.

You can find us at:

https://bsky.app/profile/nsbulk.bsky.social

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/