The Origin of James Bond’s Code Name “007” Explained in an Unreleased Timothy Dalton Film

While most fans know that James Bond is famously associated with the code name 007, the origins of this iconic moniker are revealed in an unproduced screenplay. During Timothy Dalton’s tenure as Bond, the franchise experienced a turbulent period marked by legal disputes and creative shifts, leading to several abandoned film projects. Among these was a concept developed by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson that aimed to explore the protagonist’s early beginnings, detailing his first mission and induction into MI6.

This narrative kick-starts with a young, directionless James Bond, who is recruited by M. His mission takes him to Asia, where he is tasked with confronting the formidable warlord General Kwang. The adventure, typical of Bond’s style, would have intertwined peril, excitement, and romance. However, this ambitious project was ultimately shelved in favor of The Living Daylights because producer Albert Broccoli believed audiences would prefer to see Bond at his peak rather than in training (as noted in The Lost Adventures of James Bond by Mark Edlitz). Nevertheless, the story provided an intriguing insight into Bond’s origins, including the significance of his 007 designation.

Delving Into the Legacy of Code Name 007

More Than Just a Number

Timothy Dalton as James Bond holding a cigarette in License to Kill.

Upon his arrival in Singapore, the young Bond would have encountered several key figures, including Felix Leiter and Q, as well as Bart Trevor—a lesser-known but critical character within the Bond universe. Trevor serves as a Double-0 agent overseeing the mission and guiding Bond to navigate the complexities of espionage. Initially wary of one another, the two agents develop a strong partnership, characterized by mentorship and skill development, a dynamic that would ultimately lead to Trevor’s heroic sacrifice.

In a critical moment, Bart Trevor makes the ultimate sacrifice, allowing Bond and the main female character, Betje, to escape peril. This act of bravery paves the way for Bond to accomplish the mission, culminating in his elevation to a Double-0 agent. Bond earns the coveted 007 code name, bestowed upon him by M as a tribute to the fallen Trevor.

The Meaning Behind the Code Name

Exploring James Bond’s Humanity

Daniel Craig plays James Bond in Casino Royale's torture scene.

Traditionally, James Bond has been associated with a stoic demeanor, often showing little emotional connection to his assignments. Although fiercely loyal to his allies, Bond’s character rarely displays vulnerability or attachment. The idea of his 007 code name being a homage to Bart Trevor would have added an emotional layer to Bond’s story, reflecting how his mentor’s wisdom influenced his actions throughout his career at MI6.

The character development proposed in this unmade film could have transformed Bond into a more relatable figure, moving away from the untouchable heroism that defined the earlier portrayals. Recognizing Bond’s earlier struggles and the pivotal role of a mentor in his evolution would have painted a more nuanced view of the secret agent.

Though the 1980s may not have been ready for such a radical shift in storytelling, the essence of this concept found its way into the James Bond series during Daniel Craig’s era. Casino Royale embraced a fundamentally human Bond, characterized by his flaws and vulnerabilities, marking a departure from the past. While the mentor narrative wasn’t adopted, portraying 007 as a fallible hero became a defining feature of Craig’s films, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise.

Sources: The Lost Adventures Of James Bond by Mark Edlitz, 2020.

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