Bond... Which Bond? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Thunderball

Sean Connery became the first actor to portray James Bond in a major film series, beginning with "Dr. No" (1962). Although he wasn't the top pick initially - other actors like Cary Grant and David Niven were considered - Connery impressed the producers with his charisma and screen presence. His rugged charm and confident demeanor ultimately won him the role, despite some skepticism from author Ian Fleming. Connery's portrayal helped define the cinematic version of Bond, blending sophistication with a tough, no-nonsense attitude.

Over the course of his career, Connery appeared in six (Eon Productions) Bond films: "Dr. No" (1962), "From Russia with Love" (1963), "Goldfinger" (1964), "Thunderball" (1965), "You Only Live Twice" (1967), and "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), spanning nine years in the role. However, if you count "Never Say Never Again" (1983), which was produced outside the official Bond franchise, then his time as Bond was 21 years. Either way you count it, Connery was one of the most iconic actors to play the role.

In "Thunderball" (1965), James Bond is assigned to recover two nuclear warheads stolen by the global crime syndicate SPECTRE. The weapons were hijacked during a NATO training exercise, and the organization threatens to detonate them unless a massive ransom is paid. Bond's investigation leads him to the Bahamas, where he crosses paths with Emilio Largo, a high-ranking SPECTRE operative. With help from CIA ally Felix Leiter and Largo's mistress Domino - whose brother was killed in the heist - Bond uncovers the villain's underwater base and engages in a dramatic aquatic showdown to prevent a nuclear disaster.

Answer: Thunderball

Emilio Largo is the principal villain in "Thunderball" (1965), played by Italian actor Adolfo Celi. As a senior figure within the criminal organization SPECTRE, Largo oversees a plot to hijack nuclear warheads and demand a massive ransom from global powers.

He operates from two main locations: a luxurious estate in the Bahamas and a high-tech yacht called the Disco Volante. Largo is characterized by his commanding presence, ruthless tactics, and lack of empathy-even toward those closest to him. His downfall comes when his mistress, Domino, turns against him and delivers the final blow, ending his reign of terror.

Answer: Thunderball

Domino Derval, portrayed by French actress Claudine Auger, is the leading female character in "Thunderball" (1965). Initially introduced as Emilio Largo's companion, she gradually becomes a key ally to James Bond after learning that Largo was responsible for her brother's death. Domino's journey from passive observer to active participant is central to the film's emotional arc.

She assists Bond in his mission and ultimately avenges her brother by killing Largo herself. Auger's performance adds depth to Domino's character, blending elegance, vulnerability, and quiet strength.

Answer: On Her Majesty's Secret Service

George Lazenby, an Australian model with no formal acting experience, was cast as James Bond for "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969) after Sean Connery stepped away from the role. His selection was unconventional - he had only appeared in commercials and famously exaggerated his acting credentials to secure an audition. Lazenby adopted Connery's style, even visiting the same barber and tailor to emulate the look. Despite impressing producers with his physicality and confidence during a screen test, Lazenby chose not to continue with the franchise, believing the Bond image would limit his career. As a result, he played Bond in only one film, making his tenure the shortest of any actor in the official series.

In "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," Bond tracks the elusive criminal mastermind Ernst Stavro Blofeld to a remote research facility in the Swiss Alps. Disguised as a genealogist, Bond infiltrates the clinic, which is secretly being used to brainwash young women into unwitting agents of biological sabotage. During the mission, Bond falls in love with Contessa Teresa "Tracy" di Vicenzo, the daughter of a powerful crime boss. Their romance leads to marriage, but tragedy strikes when Blofeld retaliates. The film blends espionage, romance, and emotional depth, culminating in one of the most poignant endings in the Bond series.

Answer: On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Ernst Stavro Blofeld, played by American actor Telly Savalas, is the primary antagonist in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969). As the head of SPECTRE, Blofeld devises a plan to threaten global agriculture by using a group of brainwashed women - referred to as the 'Angels of Death' - to spread biological agents that would render crops and livestock infertile. Operating from a remote alpine facility in Switzerland, Blofeld presents a calm yet menacing demeanor, combining scientific ambition with ruthless intent.

His confrontation with Bond is both intellectual and physical, culminating in a dramatic escape and a tragic act of revenge that leaves a lasting impact on the series.

Answer: On Her Majesty's Secret Service

The Countess Teresa "Tracy" di Vicenzo, portrayed by British actress Diana Rigg, is one of the most emotionally complex Bond girls in the franchise. Introduced as a troubled and suicidal woman, she is rescued by Bond and gradually becomes his romantic partner.

The daughter of crime syndicate leader Marc-Ange Draco, Tracy is intelligent, independent, and emotionally resilient. Her relationship with Bond deepens throughout the film, leading to their marriage - the only time Bond officially weds in the series. Tragically, their happiness is short-lived, as Tracy is killed in a drive-by shooting orchestrated by Blofeld's associate, Irma Bunt. Rigg's portrayal brought depth and vulnerability to the role, making Tracy one of the most memorable and significant women in Bond's life.

Answer: Moonraker

Roger Moore officially became James Bond in "Live and Let Die" (1973), following Sean Connery's final appearance in "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971). Although George Lazenby had briefly taken over the role in 1969, Connery returned for one more film before stepping away for good (from the Eon production Bond films). Moore, already well-known for his role in the television series "The Saint" (1962-69), was selected to bring a fresh tone to the franchise. His portrayal emphasized charm, wit, and a more playful approach to the character, marking a shift from the grittier style of earlier Bonds. This lighter interpretation helped the series stay relevant and appealing through the 1970s and into the mid-1980s.

Moore starred in seven Bond films: "Live and Let Die" (1973), "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974), "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977), "Moonraker" (1979), "For Your Eyes Only" (1981), "Octopussy" (1983), and "A View to a Kill" (1985). His time in the role lasted 12 years, making him the longest-serving Bond actor in the official Eon Productions series (to that point).

In "Moonraker" (1979), 007 investigates the mysterious disappearance of a space shuttle built by Drax Industries. The mission leads him to billionaire Hugo Drax, whose aerospace empire hides a sinister plan. Bond teams up with Dr. Holly Goodhead, a NASA astronaut and undercover CIA agent, as they follow Drax's trail from California to Venice, Rio de Janeiro, and deep into the Amazon. Eventually, they uncover a secret space station where Drax intends to release a deadly nerve gas to wipe out humanity and repopulate Earth with a genetically selected elite. Bond must stop the launch and prevent global genocide, culminating in a dramatic battle in outer space.

Answer: Moonraker

Hugo Drax, played by French actor Michael Lonsdale, is the central antagonist in "Moonraker" (1979). A wealthy industrialist and head of Drax Industries, he presents himself as a visionary in aerospace technology. Beneath this façade, however, lies a megalomaniacal plan to wipe out humanity using a nerve gas dispersed from space, with the intention of repopulating Earth with a genetically selected elite. Drax operates from a lavish estate in California and a hidden space station, using his resources and influence to eliminate anyone who threatens his scheme.

His calm, cultured demeanor masks a ruthless nature, and he ultimately meets his end when Bond ejects him into space.

Answer: Moonraker

Dr. Holly Goodhead, played by American actress Lois Chiles, is introduced in "Moonraker" (1979) as a CIA operative working undercover within Hugo Drax's aerospace empire. Posing as a scientist and astronaut, she is tasked with uncovering Drax's plan to exterminate humanity and repopulate Earth with a genetically selected elite.

Initially cautious around Bond, she gradually becomes his ally as they uncover the full scope of Drax's scheme. Goodhead proves to be resourceful and capable, notably piloting a space shuttle during the film's climax.

Her partnership with Bond evolves from professional tension to mutual trust, and she plays a vital role in the final battle aboard Drax's space station. Unlike many earlier Bond girls, Goodhead is portrayed as Bond's equal in both intellect and skill.

Answer: License to Kill

Timothy Dalton became the fourth official James Bond actor in the Eon Productions series, debuting in "The Living Daylights" (1987). Although he had been considered for the role as early as the late 1960s, Dalton initially declined, feeling he was too young to follow Sean Connery. After Roger Moore retired from the role in 1985, Dalton was approached again and accepted, bringing a more serious and emotionally grounded interpretation of Bond. His portrayal aimed to reflect the darker tone of Ian Fleming's original novels, emphasizing realism over gadgetry and humour.
Dalton starred in two Bond films: "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "License to Kill" (1989). His tenure lasted just two years, cut short by legal disputes within the franchise and his reluctance to commit to a long-term contract.

In "License to Kill" (1989), Bond abandons his official duties after his close friend, CIA agent Felix Leiter, is brutally attacked and his wife murdered by drug kingpin Franz Sanchez. Stripped of his license to kill by MI6, Bond goes rogue to pursue a personal vendetta. Operating outside the law, he infiltrates Sanchez's drug empire with help from pilot and CIA operative Pam Bouvier. As Bond manipulates Sanchez's trust and sows chaos within the cartel, he uncovers a massive narcotics operation and sets out to dismantle it from within. The film explores themes of revenge and loyalty, presenting one of the grittiest and most emotionally driven stories in the Bond series.

Answer: License to Kill

Franz Sanchez, played by American actor Robert Davi, is the central antagonist in "License to Kill" (1989). Sanchez is a powerful and feared drug lord operating out of the fictional Republic of Isthmus. He controls a vast narcotics empire and maintains influence over government officials through bribery and intimidation. Known for his brutal enforcement of loyalty, Sanchez is responsible for the maiming of CIA agent Felix Leiter and the murder of Leiter's wife - acts that drive Bond to resign from MI6 and pursue personal revenge. Though outwardly refined and composed, Sanchez is ruthless and paranoid, traits that Bond exploits to turn Sanchez against his own men.

His empire ultimately collapses under Bond's infiltration and manipulation, leading to his fiery demise.

Answer: License to Kill

Pam Bouvier, portrayed by American actress Carey Lowell, is the main Bond girl in "License to Kill" (1989). A former U.S. Army pilot turned CIA informant, Pam is introduced as a tough, independent operative with firsthand knowledge of Sanchez's criminal network.

She teams up with Bond after surviving an attack by Sanchez's henchmen and proves to be a capable ally throughout the mission. Posing as Bond's secretary, she helps him infiltrate Sanchez's inner circle and plays a key role in the final confrontation. Pam's character stands out for her professionalism, resilience, and equal footing with Bond, continuing the shift toward more empowered female leads in the series.

Answer: The World is Not Enough

Pierce Brosnan became the fifth official James Bond actor in the Eon Productions series, debuting in "GoldenEye" (1995). He had been considered for the role years earlier, but a contractual obligation to the television series "Remington Steele" (1982-87) prevented him from accepting the part at that time. After Timothy Dalton's departure, Brosnan was finally cast, bringing a blend of sophistication, charm, and action-oriented energy to the role. His portrayal was seen as a modernized version of Bond, combining the suave demeanor of Roger Moore with the intensity of Sean Connery.

Brosnan starred in four Bond films: "GoldenEye" (1995), "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997), "The World Is Not Enough" (1999), and "Die Another Day" (2002), his tenure lasting seven years altogether.

In "The World Is Not Enough" (1999), James is assigned to protect Elektra King, the daughter of a murdered oil tycoon, after an explosive attack at MI6 headquarters. The investigation leads Bond to Renard, a terrorist with a bullet lodged in his brain that renders him unable to feel pain. As Bond delves deeper, he uncovers a plot to trigger a nuclear meltdown in Istanbul, aimed at disrupting global oil supplies and increasing the value of Elektra's pipeline. With help from nuclear physicist Dr. Christmas Jones, Bond must navigate betrayal, uncover Elektra's true motives, and stop Renard's plan before it causes catastrophic damage.

Answer: The World is Not Enough

Renard, played by Scottish actor Robert Carlyle, is the primary villain in "The World Is Not Enough" (1999). A former KGB agent turned international terrorist, Renard survives a near-fatal assassination attempt that leaves him with a bullet lodged in his brain.

This injury gradually kills him but also renders him unable to feel pain, giving him a dangerous edge in combat. Renard partners with oil heiress Elektra King in a plot to monopolize global oil distribution by triggering a nuclear meltdown in Istanbul. Though he appears to be the mastermind, it's revealed that Elektra manipulates him as part of her own vendetta. Renard's cold demeanor and physical resilience make him a formidable adversary, but he is ultimately defeated by Bond in a tense underwater confrontation.

Answer: The World is Not Enough

Dr. Christmas Jones, portrayed by American actress Denise Richards, is a nuclear physicist introduced in "The World Is Not Enough" (1999). Bond meets her during a mission in Kazakhstan, where she is overseeing the dismantling of nuclear weapons. Initially skeptical of Bond's intentions, she becomes a key ally after uncovering Renard's plan to steal a nuclear warhead.

Despite her glamorous appearance, Jones is portrayed as intelligent and capable, contributing technical expertise and support throughout the mission.

She joins Bond in the final effort to stop the reactor meltdown and survives the ordeal, sharing a romantic moment with him in the film's closing scene.

Answer: Casino Royale

Daniel Craig was cast as James Bond in 2005, making his debut in "Casino Royale" (2006). His selection marked a significant shift for the franchise, as producers aimed to reboot the series with a grittier, more grounded tone. Craig was not the typical Bond archetype - his blond hair and rugged features sparked debate among fans - but his intense screen presence and acting range ultimately won over critics and audiences. Initially hesitant to take on the role due to its demanding nature and public scrutiny, Craig was reportedly encouraged by colleagues, including Steven Spielberg, during the filming of "Munich" (2005).

Craig starred in five Bond films: "Casino Royale" (2006), "Quantum of Solace" (2008), "Skyfall" (2012), "Spectre" (2015), and "No Time to Die" (2021). His tenure lasted 15 years, making him the longest-serving Bond actor in terms of continuous years in the role.

In "Casino Royale" (2006), newly promoted MI6 agent James Bond embarks on his first mission as 007. Tasked with bankrupting Le Chiffre, a financier for global terrorist networks, Bond enters a high-stakes poker tournament at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. Accompanied by Treasury agent Vesper Lynd, Bond must outwit Le Chiffre at the card table while navigating a web of deception and danger. As the mission unfolds, Bond faces brutal confrontations and emotional turmoil, ultimately learning a painful lesson about trust and betrayal. The film reintroduces Bond with a more realistic and emotionally complex portrayal, setting the tone for Craig's era.

Answer: Casino Royale

Le Chiffre, portrayed by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, is the main villain in "Casino Royale" (2006). A financier for terrorist organizations, he uses high-stakes gambling and market manipulation to grow and launder illicit funds. When one of his schemes backfires, he organizes a poker tournament at Casino Royale in Montenegro to recover his losses. Cold, calculating, and physically marked by a bleeding eye condition, Le Chiffre is a cerebral villain who relies on psychological pressure and intimidation.

His confrontation with Bond is both strategic and brutal, culminating in a tense torture scene. Ultimately, Le Chiffre is killed by a higher-ranking operative after failing his mission.

Answer: Casino Royale

Vesper Lynd, played by French actress Eva Green, is introduced in "Casino Royale" (2006) as a representative of the British Treasury assigned to oversee Bond's use of government funds during the poker tournament. Intelligent, poised, and emotionally guarded, Vesper quickly becomes more than just a financial supervisor - her relationship with Bond deepens into a romantic connection.

However, she harbors a secret: she is being blackmailed by a criminal organization to betray Bond in exchange for her lover's life.

Her internal conflict leads to a tragic end, as she sacrifices herself in Venice after ensuring Bond's survival. Vesper's impact on Bond is profound, shaping his emotional arc throughout the Craig-era films.