Was Christopher Lee the inspiration for James Bond?
“Bond, James Bond” is a dialogue that strikes a chord in almost every heart. A film franchise just as iconic as the book series, and what ties both of them together is the brilliance of the character created by Ian Fleming. James Bond is a figure whose impact has transcended its original medium of paper to shine on the screen. A character that has survived the test of time, with people across generations rooting for him.
Fleming’s characterisation is a testament to clean writing and vivid imagination. His suave attitude as a skilled British secret agent has allowed him to easily stand out on celluloid. He is known for his resourcefulness and ability to handle risky situations with charming grace. Often considered a figure of masculinity by the youth who grew up with him and the youth who see him today, the pressed suits are seen as the epitome of impeccable style.
While his legacy lives on in this character, many creative personalities have taken it forward through films and book adaptations. The films have played a significant role in glamourising and accentuating the story and character of James Bond, putting many handsome faces to the name. In fact, they are considered to be a major part of British pop culture. One of these films, The Man with the Golden Gun, established a special connection within the franchise itself. Christopher Lee, who plays Francisco Scaramanga, was a distant relative of Fleming, and the step-cousins shared a close relationship.
Before the role of Scaramanga, Fleming had even offered Lee the titular role in Dr No. But since the producers had already locked in Joseph Wiseman, the collaboration was stalled. The two were also known for their immense contributions during their military service. Many fans have connected these aspects to speculate that Fleming’s military experience was not the only inspiration behind the brilliant stories. A theory, without any official confirmation from Fleming, that often goes around in the fan circuit is that Lee inspired James Bond.
If not him, then who could it have been?
While the theory is fueled mainly by conjecture, Fleming mentioned many others who inspired James Bond. Beginning with the name, Fleming was inspired by an American ornithologist, James Bond. This happened when Fleming, who himself was an avid bird watcher, stumbled upon Bond’s Book of the West Indies. He famously explained his choice to the latter’s wife, Mary Bond, saying that he was on the lookout for a short, mundane but masculine name, and found her husband’s name to suit his needs.
In terms of 007’s physical characteristics, they were inspired by American singer Hoagy Carmichael and Fleming himself. He aimed to create a blend of them. In fact, the author infused many of his own characteristics, likes and dislikes into Bond.
He was also heavily influenced by many people he encountered during his time serving in the Second World War. Such as his brother Robert Peter Fleming, Conrad O’Brien-ffrench, Patrick Dalzel-Job, Bill Dunderdale and Duško Popov, all of whom dabbled in espionage and worked in the military for various lengths. Another interesting inspiration is said to be Fleming’s contemporary and spy-turned-author, Roald Dahl. He primarily wrote for children, but was once a Royal Air Force fighter pilot and a British spy. With all these different sources, it’s no wonder we have so many faces to the titular character.
