As we anticipate the next 007, Entertainment Weekly looks back on the iconic espionage franchise.
Now, a new iteration of Bond is reportedly just around the corner.
So guess who becomes Bond’s ally?

‘No Time to Die’ (2021), ‘Dr. No’ (1962), and ‘GoldenEye’ (1995).everett (3)
From there, things get complicated fast.
the Special Executive for Counterintelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion).
Still, it’s noCasino Royale.

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But the evil mastermind is not the only one to say ‘‘Goodbye, Mr. Connery also left the series (temporarily) after this stylish, if parody-ripe, entry.
The Living Daylights (1987)
Reagan-era Bond fans weaned on Moore’s effervescent charm cried, ‘‘Bland!
over Dalton’s brooding portrayal of the character.

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The film’s politics now seem radically dated Bond rides with the mujahideen in Afghanistan!
but its darker tone was well ahead of its time.
Spectre (2015)
With MI6s future in doubt (again), Bond goes rogue (again).

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Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Connery fans breathed a sigh of relief as the suave Scot reluctantly returned.
And not a moment too soon.
After all, there’s the little matter of payback for the murder of 007’s wife.

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He seems to be the next target on the hit list of Christopher Lee’s dastardly Scaramanga.
On at least three out of four counts, mission accomplished.
Live And Let Die (1973)
The Roger Moore era begins with a blaxploitation bang.

When Yaphet Kotto’s Dr. Kananga (a.k.a.
Jane Seymour is lovely and tragic as the tarot-reading Solitaire.
And Kananga’s demise (he explodes after being force-fed a shark-gun bullet) is one for the ages.

A View to a Kill (1985)
Roger Moore was 56 in his seventh and last outing.
In real life, he was even older than the mother of his costar Tanya Roberts.
Still, he kicks butt.

Jonathan Olley
Licence To Kill (1989)
This time it’s personal.
But it’s Dalton’s Bond who inspires true dread when he goes undercover as a thug for hire.
Bond and Barbara Bach’s KGB knockout Anya Amasova (a.k.a.

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Moore’s best Bond performance.
But after the success of 1977’sStar Wars,Moonrakerwas fast-tracked as the follow-up.
Count us shaken and disturbed.

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In his first turn in Bond’s tux, Daniel Craig brings a macho directness to the familiar role.
Not only Craig’s best outing, but one of the Best Bonds ever.
Both charges couldn’t be more off.

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The sixth installment in the 007 saga is actually one of the best and most emotionally complex.
This is our first look at Bond as existential hero, and the man can’t catch a break.
As Lazenby famously quips, ‘‘This never happened to the other fellow.’’

Nicola Dove/MGM/Danjaq/Courtesy Everett Collection
Goldfinger (1964)
It’s the film that most 007 aficionados consider the gold standard of the series.
Bond, I expect you to die!
What’s not to love?

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MGM-UA/Photofest

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United Artists/Courtesy Neal Peters Collection

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Jay Maidment

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Francois Duhamel

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