Is It Time to Bring Back the Classic, Cigarette-Smoking James Bond? Here’s Why It Could Work!

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As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but feel the thrill of change brewing in the iconic James Bond franchise. After an illustrious tenure, Daniel Craig has hung up his tuxedo for the last time as 007. The Broccoli family, who have been at the helm of this legendary series, is stepping away from production duties, having passed on the reins to Amazon MGM.

This juncture presents a rare and captivating opportunity to bring Bond back to his roots – a hard-living, whiskey-swigging, Cold War warrior with a penchant for smoking cigarettes. Amazon, if you’re tuned in, let us journey back in time and witness the timeless charm of a period piece Bond.

The Cold War Is A Goldmine For Spy Stories

Time and time again, Sean Connery is consistently ranked as the top James Bond by fans, even after more than half a century since he last portrayed the iconic British agent in Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. It’s not just that Connery originated the character, but because the Connery-led Bond films coincided with the escalation of the Cold War during the 1960s, they feature a timeless adversary: the Soviet Union.

In a fresh take, we seldom see Bond engaging directly with the Soviets, yet the Cold War remains a constant undercurrent. This atmosphere permeated the Roger Moore era of Bond as well. It’s now fitting to return Bond to that time period, setting the stage for tales (or a collection of stories) set in the 1960s. In this era, Bond can once again freely indulge in smoking, romantic liaisons, drinking, and gambling without restraint. M, portrayed by Judi Dench, refers to Bond as “a relic of the Cold War” in Goldeneye, so let’s polish that antique for a revival.

There Would Still Need To Be Some Updates

In the 1960s setting, brimming with exciting tech and nostalgic charm from early Bond films, might be intriguing. However, it’s evident that our hero can’t emulate Bond’s behavior from that era entirely. The portrayal of women in those movies is problematic and outdated, and such treatment wouldn’t resonate with today’s audience. While the overall atmosphere remains open for interpretation, the depiction of relationships between Bond and the female characters needs a significant update to be relevant and respectful in modern times.

Stepping into the dimly lit bar, I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 007, who casually lights up a cigarette. The air around us fills with an aroma that harks back to a bygone era – one where smoking was synonymous with coolness. In today’s world, we frown upon the habit, but in the context of Bond, it adds a layer of charm that only seems fitting for this timeless character. If James Bond were to smoke in 2020, it might seem out of character, but placing him in an era where everyone from the young to the old puffed away on their cigarettes feels like a perfect touch of nostalgia. Embracing some vintage sensibilities would undoubtedly make for one entertaining ride.

Now Is The Time To Go Back To The Past

In the annals of the Bond franchise, there’s never been a more opportune moment to revisit the cinematic and literary foundations of James Bond. The Daniel Craig era effectively resurrected the relentless brutality of the character Ian Fleming penned in his novels, but it seems to have forfeited some of the charm and sophistication that once defined the character. More grit, less suave, if you will. It’s high time we strike a balance, especially by situating the narrative during Bond’s golden era when geopolitical tensions between West and East were at their zenith. Moreover, the fashion and automobiles of that epoch were simply unparalleled. We, the audience, eagerly await to see where the Bond franchise might steer next; therefore, Amazon, we humbly propose this concept for your consideration.

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2025-03-19 01:07