S2E009 From Casino Royale to James Gunn: Jeremy Duns discusses forgotten Bond history

Jeremy Duns on early Casino Royale scripts and the mystery of James Gunn.

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In this episode of The 007 Files, Bill Koenig and Javier Trujillo and David Leigh sit down with author and researcher Jeremy Duns to explore two little-known chapters in Bond lore. First, Jeremy delves into the early attempts to adapt Casino Royale for the screen, revealing the strange paths the story might have taken.

Then, we discuss his recent research into James Gunn: Secret Agent , a television concept developed by Henry Morgenthau III to which Ian Fleming contributed. Jeremy uncovered previously unreferenced correspondence between the two men, which led him to track down Fleming’s synopsis and pilot episode outline—held in the Lilly Library and on their way to him at the time of recording. A treasure trove for Bond fans curious about the road not taken.

Recorded on 5th May 2025 in the United States, Sweden and Spain.

Where to find us

Jeremy Duns

⁠https://www.jeremy-duns.com/needtoknow⁠

• Rogue Royale (on Hecht’s Casino Royale script material): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/rogueroyale
• Catch-007 (on Heller’s Casino Royale material): Catch-007 — Jeremy Duns
• Agent of Chaos (Anthony Burgess’ TSWLM material): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/agentofchaos
• Uncut Gem (Diamond Smugglers screenplay): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/uncutgem
• Gold Dust (Per Fine Ounce pages): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/b6y7tznrhhg6cmdjglb7dsxelb9zw7

The name is Gunn. James Gunn.

• https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/jamesgunnpart1
• https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/jamesgunnpart2

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/⁠