Everyone knows thatJames Bondcarries the code name 007, but precisely why Bond received that designation is explained by a canceled movie treatment.Timothy Dalton’s James Bond erawas a time of creative tumult and legal uncertainty for the long-running spy franchise, causing several plannedJames Bond movies to go unmade. One such project was conceived by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson, and would have delved deep into the spy’s past, revealing his first mission and how he first joined MI6.
Beginning with a twenty-something James Bond at a loose end, Britain’s future hero would have been scouted by M and sent to Asia to spar against the warlord General Kwang in a jungle-based adventure full of the franchise’s usual danger, thrills, and sex. Ultimately, the idea was axed in favor ofThe Living Daylights, with Albert Broccoli feeling that audiences would prefer to see Bond in his prime, not honing his craft (viaThe Lost Adventures of James Bondby Mark Edlitz). The story did, however, contain a fascinating origin for Bond, as well as his007 agenthandle.
An Unmade Timothy Dalton Movie Revealed The Story Behind Bond’s “007” Code Name
Bond Wasn’t Just The Seventh To Join The Division
After being dispatched by M and landing in Singapore, Bond would have met future allies Felix Leiter and Q, but also a lesser-known figure in James Bond mythology by the name of Bart Trevor - a Double-0 agent in charge of the operation and responsible for keeping the rookie Bond in line. Bond and Trevor effectively tackle the movie’s mission as a dynamic duo, with the latter imparting pearls of wisdom whenever his young partner shows signs of youthful folly or espionage inexperience. Initially skeptical of each other,Bond and Trevor develop into firm allies, which, inevitably, means the older spy is required to die at the end.
Timothy Dalton’s Unmade James Bond Movie Would Have Solved 007’s Biggest Canon Question
James Bond canon has long been a topic of much debate, but the continuity of the classic era could have been settled with a third Dalton movie.
Bart Trevor sacrifices himself to let Bond and the story’s main female character, Betje, escape a sticky situation, thereby leaving MI6’s greenest recruit to finish the mission alone. Bond succeeds, of course, earning his status as aDouble-0 agent. This unmade Bond movie would have ended with the Double-0 division’s newest member receiving Trevor’s old code name at M’s suggestion. That code name, of course, being 007.
Introducing Bart Trevor Would Have Made Bond’s Code Name More Meaningful
Timothy Dalton Almost Made James Bond More Human - Before It Was Cool
James Bond has never been known for emotional attachments, least of all to his job. More often than not, the super-spy seems irritated to be working for MI6 at all. Bond is, however, unerringly loyal to his friends and allies. The 007 code name paying tribute to one such ally would have added a poignant touch to James Bond’s backstory - a representation of howBond carries Trevor’s teachings throughout his entire MI6 career.
Timothy Dalton’s loss was Daniel Craig’s gain.
More importantly,the addition of Bart Trevor to James Bond’s backstory would have made the cinematic version of Ian Fleming’s creation more human, following a string ofRoger Moore Bond moviesthat did the exact opposite. Knowing James Bond was once a glorified intern making mistakes, and that he would have died if not for his mentor’s sacrifice, could have dispelled the notion of Bond as an invincible warrior who can do no wrong.
The 1980s perhaps weren’t ready for such a radical change, but Timothy Dalton’s loss was Daniel Craig’s gain.Casino Royalethrived by leaning fully into the concept of a more humanBond, and while the idea of a mentor wasn’t recycled, portraying 007 as a more fallible hero became a hallmark of Daniel Craig’sJames Bondmovies.
Sources: The Lost Adventures Of James Bond (Mark Edlitz, 2020).
James Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
