Licence to Legacy: It’s been 40 years since A View to a Kill was released — Roger Moore’s final outing as James Bond — and this week we look back at one of the most divisive entries in the series.

After a brief detour to the Mexico Grand Prix, we dive into the film’s release and reception, sharing personal memories of seeing A View to a Kill for the first time and how opinions have changed - if they have - over the decades. We explore John Barry’s score and Duran Duran’s title song, the film’s unique tone, and how it captured the glossy excess of the 1980s.

The conversation turns to the Bond women — from Tanya Roberts to Grace Jones’ performance as May Day — and the sometimes volatile chemistry on set. We also discuss Christopher Walken’s chilling turn as Max Zorin.

Looking beyond the film, we reflect on Roger Moore’s final mission as 007, how he proved the series could thrive after Sean Connery, and what his long tenure says about age, legacy, and the evolution of Bond. There’s even time to touch on Lois Maxwell’s final appearance as Moneypenny, Patrick Macnee's portrayal of Sir Godfrey Tibbett, and the in-jokes, excess, and self-parody that make A View to a Kill such curious entry in the Bond franchise.

From its polarising reception to its lasting place in Bond history, we ask: four decades on, is A View to a Kill any better than we remember - or not?

Where to find us:

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/⁠

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 27th October 2025

Richard Maibaum helped define James Bond — but did he ever get the credit he truly deserved?

In this episode of The 007 Files, Bill Koenig talks to writer, producer and New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg, whose 2022 book The James Bond Films 1962–1989: Interviews with the Actors, Writers and Producers collects his remarkable 1980s interviews with the people who built 007’s world — from screenwriters and directors to the actors themselves.

Goldberg shares how his first major interview, a candid conversation with Richard Maibaum, opened the door to years of insider access to Bond. He recalls meeting Roger Moore on set in San Francisco, where the encounter took an unexpected turn with an unforgettable perspective of 007 himself.

We explore Maibaum’s immense but under-recognised influence on the Bond films that continues to this day. Along the way, we look at the 1988 writers’ guild strike, the curious world of product placement, and the ever-changing style and tone of the Bond films.

It’s a revealing, sometimes hilarious conversation about the people who shaped 007 from behind the scenes — and a reminder that even the world’s best-known secret agent depends on those who put the words in his mouth.

Where to find us:

Lee Goldberg

https://leegoldberg.com/about-lee/

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded in the USA on 28th October 2025

S03E005: In this episode of The 007 Files, Bill Koenig is joined by Javi Trujillo and David Leigh for a wide-ranging conversation with soundtrack producer Neil S. Bulk about La-La Land Records’ expanded 60th anniversary edition of Thunderball.

Neil shares his passion for the project - and for the film! - as we explore the challenges of restoring classic Bond soundtracks, the discovery of new material, and the collaboration with MGM that made this release possible. Along the way we discuss the historical context of Thunderball’s score, John Barry’s versatility, alternate versions and mixes, the fate of the Thunderball suite, and the many faces of Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

We also weigh up the film’s legacy, its place in the Bond music hierarchy, and even touch on the end of Danjaq.Thunderball: 60th Anniversary Remastered and Expanded Limited Edition (2-CD Set) is available from La-La Land Records.

Where to find us:

Neil S. Bulk

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

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/⁠

S03E004 In this episode we discuss season 2 of 007: Road to a Million. Was it really better than the first? We weigh up the contestants, the challenges, the Controller, and how effectively the Bond IP and music were used this time around. And as always, we look ahead: will there be a season 3, and if so, would we watch it?But before we get into that we look at the 60th anniversaries of three TV shows from the 1960s spy craze which sprang directly from Bond’s success. And from there, we move to the digital age with 007: First Light, discussing what the recently released 30 minutes of gameplay reveal about the first Bond game in over a decade — and whether it lives up to expectations.

Where to find us

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/⁠⁠⁠

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 17th September 2025

S03E003: In the second half of our Thunderball discussion, Bill Koenig, Javi Trujillo and David Leigh turn to the film’s legacy and cultural impact. We look at how Thunderball shaped popular culture — from underwater spectacle to the parody of Austin Powers.

Along the way we consider whether the film influenced our own styles, explore the ground-breaking underwater photography and the challenges of shooting beneath the waves, and share some favourite collectibles. We also reflect on Thunderball’s music, its modern reception, and what lessons it may hold for Bond 26.

Where to find us

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/⁠⁠

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 2nd September 2025

S3E002: Bill Koenig, Javi Trujillo and David Leigh kick off a two-part celebration of Thunderball on its 60th anniversary. In this episode, they revisit their first viewings and the impressions the film left behind, then dive into Kevin McClory’s influence on the Bond series.

The discussion turns to SPECTRE and Blofeld—was it for the best that Eon dropped them in the 1970s, and why did their eventual return feel squandered? The hosts also talk about the SPECTRE ring and how the octopus logo makes no sense.

Where to find us

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/⁠⁠

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 2nd September 2025

S3 E001: The 007 Files returns for its third season as Bill Koenig is joined by co-hosts Javi Trujillo and David Leigh for an engaging conversation with special guest Joseph Darlington — author of Being James Bond and host of the long-running podcast of the same name. Joseph talks about the newly revised Volume I of his book, what’s coming in Volume II, and how his approach to writing, podcasting, and developing Bond-style skills has evolved since launching the show in 2006.

The discussion covers the concept of Being James Bond, the process of updating Volume I, how the upcoming book expands into wine, food, and travel, and reflections on the “London Trilogy” (Skyfall, SPECTRE, No Time to Die). Joseph also shares his thoughts on the franchise’s future under Amazon, how Bond’s appeal has shifted over time, and the changing shape of the fan community in a post-pandemic world.

Where to find us

Joseph Darlington

https://www.youtube.com/@Beingjamesbond

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/⁠

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 30th July 2025

In this episode, we dive into our immediate reaction to Denis Villeneuve being confirmed as director for Bond 26—and how our views have shifted just three days later.

We explore what Villeneuve might bring to James Bond, what this could mean for the tone of the next film, and take a closer look at the three young actors reportedly in the running for 007.

Plus, we discuss the rumoured 2028 release date and what that means for Bond fans waiting for the next chapter in the series.

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 28th June 2025.

Where to find us

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/⁠

Bill Koenig and Javi Trujillo are joined by writer and Bond expert Mark Edlitz, author of Keeping 007 Alive: Conversations with James Bond Continuation Authors (and other books), for an in-depth look at the world of continuation novels.

They ask: what challenges do authors face when stepping into Ian Fleming’s shoes? What might Ian Fleming Publications' current strategy tell us about the direction of the literary Bond? And who stands out as the most successful continuation author so far?

Mark also shares his thoughts on the future of Bond in print — and when we might next see a traditional, mid-30s 007 back on a mission. Will it be a period piece, or brought into the modern day?

Recorded in the USA on 17th June 2025.

Where to find us

Mark Edlitz

http://www.markedlitz.com/

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo

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

In this episode of The 007 Files, Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig and David Leigh dive into a flurry of new Bond news. We begin with Ian Fleming Publications’ surprising pivot: a forthcoming book series featuring a retired James Bond teaching kids to be agents, aimed squarely at 8–12-year-olds. Is it a clever way to get children reading—or a misunderstanding of what kids really respond to?

We also unpack the freshly released trailer for 007: First Light, the new video game origin story, and what it tells us about the tone and direction. Plus, there’s a brand-new 4K restoration of the Connery classics and some long-awaited Bond soundtrack remasters from La-La Land Records.

A packed show for Bond fans of all stripes—young, old, and digitally remastered.

Recorded in the USA and Spain on 12th June 2025.

Where to find us

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/⁠