Sunspel's James Bond Day offer

Sunspel's navy Riviera polo shirt by has remained a firm favourite ever since Daniel Craig wore it in Casino Royale.

To coincide with James Bond Day, Sunspel are offering free delivery on order placed before 12th October. Simply use the code BONDDAY at checkout. And if you're a new customer you can also use the code WELCOME10 to get 10% off your first order.

🛒 Sunspel Riviera Polo

 

Don't forget Edward Biddulph’s James Bond Lover’s Guide to Britain is published at the end of the month. From Scottish castles to Kentish pubs, it traces Bond’s real-world footprint across the UK. 

More details here.

The 007 Files podcast dives deep into the world of James Bond, blending expert analysis with casual conversation.

 

Co-hosted by Bill Koenig of The Spy Command and Javi Trujillo along with me, the podcast explores Bond's films, books, and cultural impact. It's available wherever you normally get your podcasts, links to the big podcast platforms below.

 

🎧 Listen to The 007 Files: Apple | Spotify | YouTube 

In September the focus has been on Thunderball, which not only is my favourite Bond film but also celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. We spent 2 episodes looking back at the film then talk to Neil S Bulk, who has just produced an expanded and remastered 60th anniversary edition of the Thunderball soundtrack on La La Land records. It's a great interview and his passion for Bond music and Thunderball itself absolutely shines through.

NEWS

The Dossier's news desk has been kept a little more busy than in recent months with a variety of things to report. Here we go!

John Barry’s sweeping score for Thunderball gets a deluxe restoration with unreleased material and new mixes

La-La Land Records has announced a 60th anniversary remastered and expanded 2-CD edition of Thunderball, the fourth James Bond film and a landmark in the evolution of 007’s cinematic sound. Featuring music by John Barry, this limited run of 5,000 units is likely to appeal to Bond fans and collectors alike.

Thunderball’s soundtrack returns in expanded 60th anniversary CD release

James Bond’s long absence from video games finally ends in March next year as a 30 minute gameplay video is released

When Bond fans were last handed a controller, it was to replay classics like Goldeneye 007 or endure the last of the Craig-era tie-ins. But now, after over a decade in the shadows, James Bond is back in action—this time in 007 First Light, a bold, cinematic prequel from the makers of Hitman. And we finally have a release date: 27th March 2026.

007 First Light lands in March 2026

Steven Knight says he’s yet to get started on the next James Bond film and confirms the next 007 actor is yet to be chosen

Steven Knight, the writer tapped to script Bond 26, has confirmed that writing hasn’t started and that the film is moving ahead without an actor in place. Asked by Radio Times whether the script is being written without a new 007 in mind, Knight replied: “Er… yes,” before adding, “You don’t know what’s going to happen until you start writing.”

Bond 26 script not yet started confirms Steven Knight

The search for a new James Bond will only begin after Denis Villeneuve finishes Dune 3

Bond 26 will begin its search for a new 007 in 2026, with casting to commence once director Denis Villeneuve finishes work on Dune: Part Three. For readers of The James Bond Dossier, none of this will come as a surprise. I’ve consistently argued since Daniel Craig handed back his keys to the DB5 that no casting would occur without both a director and a script. Once Villeneuve was confirmed, it was clear he’d need to wrap Dune before even thinking about who would take over as 007.

Bond 26 casting to begin in 2026

Danjaq is no longer the name behind 007, with a new company now holding Bond’s identity

When Amazon was handed the creative wheel of the James Bond franchise on 20th February 2025, one detail was buried beneath the headlines: Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, and Amazon MGM Studios had agreed to form a new entity to oversee Bond’s intellectual property. What that entity was called remained a mystery—until now.

London Operations quietly takes over from Danjaq

How you can contribute

☕ Patreon – Monthly subscriptions start from less than the price of a coffee at Starbucks. View subscription options. Or buy me a Blue Mountain coffee on KoFi instead.

 

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👕 Merch – Want a cool 007 inspired t-shirt or mug? Check out our Teepublic store .

 

📖 Book – Did you know I wrote a book? You can order The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond here .

 

🛒 Amazon – Ordering items from Amazon and other companies can help support The James Bond Dossier without costing you anything extra. Find out more .

That's all for now but look out for my forthcoming video on my trip to Matera. I'll be going in deep on all the locations you can visit from the film. Otherwise, I'll be back at the beginning of November. See you then!

 

Ciao!

David Leigh
The James Bond Dossier

 

PS Know a Bond fan who’d love this newsletter? Share it with them here.

 

PPS For less than a coffee at Starbucks you can support The James Bond Dossier on Patreon, or buy me a coffee on KoFi - very black!

You might be interested in the following:

• [FREE download] The James Bond Cocktail Bar
• The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond

Please note that I may receive compensation for any products mentioned in this newsletter.