Why is October 5 James Bond Day?
The James Bond franchise is one of the most popular, long running success stories in entertainment. Even more than Star Wars, it has managed to attract audience over successive generations. Bond has seen strong competition, of course, most recently from the Bourne and Mission Impossible series.
But James Bond still remains the top of the pile. Phrases such as “Shaken, not stirred” have entered everyday language. The Aston Martin is still living on its reputation as the Bond car. Most of its actors have become popular icons, with the added excitement of the producers now having to choose a new Bond soon. Could it finally be a woman? Or a person of colour (or both)? Or will they stay with a dashing young male actor – in which case, which one?
25 Bond films and many documentaries
Since 2012, October 5 has been celebrated as James Bond Day. Over the coming month, all 25 Bond movies and many documentaries will be available to stream on platforms, notably 2022’s 60th anniversary documentary The Sound of 007, which chronicles the films’ soundtracks and iconic James Bond themes.
The producers are also using the month to promote a new venture at Burlington Arcade, Mayfair in London. A new 007 bar features Bond cocktails and collectibles.
So why is October 5 James Bond Day? It’s quite simple, the first movie, “Dr No” premiered on that date.
(Michael Leahy. Photo: Irv P/ Unsplash)