Bond Villains

Bond Villains

For years we’ve seen different Bonds match wits and do battle with a variety of villains. From the strange and interesting to the evil and maniacal, Bond villains have kept us on the edge of our seats. Who are some of Bonds arch nemesis, which movie did they appear in and who portrayed them?

Dr. No (1962)

Sean Connery’s first foray as James Bond found him battling the evil Dr. Julius No, a SPECTRE agent intent on taking over the world. Dr. No was portrayed by Joseph Wiseman. Wiseman has had a long career in TV and the big screen, appearing on such shows as “Law and Order”, “The A-Team” and “Magnum P.I.” as well as the 1960 film “Unforgiven” with Audrey Hepburn and Burt Lancaster.

From Russia With Love (1963)

Bond must obtain the Lektor device before it falls in the hands of SPECTRE. His work is cut out for him with adversaries such as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Red Grant and Rosa Klebb. In this early appearance by Blofeld, the character’s hands were portrayed by Anthony Dawson (1916-1992) while his voice was provided by Eric Pohlmann (1913-1979). Dawson appeared in a number of TV shows and in movies such as the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock classic “Dial M for Murder” with Grace Kelly. Pohlmann co-starred opposite Clark Gable and Ava Gardner in “Mogambo” (1953), had an uncredited role in 1956’s “Anastasia” with Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner and appeared with Peter Sellers in 1975’s “The Return of the Pink Panther”.

Red Grant was portrayed by the renowned actor Robert Shaw (1927-1978). Shaw, probably best known for his role as Quint in 1975’s Jaws, also co-starred opposite Paul Newman and Robert Redford in 1973’s “The Sting”, with Jacqueline Bissett, Louis Gossett Jr. and Nick Nolte in “The Deep” (1977) and in 1979’s “Avalanche Express” with Lee Marvin. He received a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his work in “A Man for All Seasons” (1966).

Rosa Klebb, the KGB agent with the poisoned tipped shoes, was played by Lotte Lenya (1898-1981). Lenya had a long career not only in TV and movies but Broadway as well. She appeared in the critically acclaimed stage shows “The Three Penny Opera” and “Cabaret”.

Goldfinger (1964)

Only one person could be behind a plot dealing with gold. Bond’s nemesis in “Goldfinger” was none other than Auric Goldfinger. Goldfinger was portrayed by Gert Frobe (1913-1988). Frobe appeared in 1968’s family friendly movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” with Dick Van Dyke and in 1962’s “The Longest Day” with Eddie Albert, Red Buttons and the actor who portrayed James Bond in “Goldfinger”, Sean Connery.

Thunderball (1965)

SPECTRE is once again up to no good when nuclear weapons are stolen. While Anthony Dawson and Eric Pohlmann returned to portray Blofeld, there was also a new enemy for Bond to face. Emilio Largo was portrayed by Adolfo Celi (1922-1986). Although Largo was a film and TV star in his native Italy, he also appeared in a number of movies including “And Then There Were None” (1974) with Richard Attenborough and Orson Welles who provided voice overs.

You Only Live Twice (1967)

Blofeld is intent on nuclear destruction and it’s up to Bond to stop him. This time around Blofeld was portrayed by Donald Pleasence (1919-1995). Pleasence had a long career in film including appearances in “The Great Escape” (1963) with Steve McQueen, the comedy “Oh, God!” (1977) with George Burns and John Denver and as Dr. Sam Loomis in the “Halloween” movies.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Not only was there a new Bond, George Lazenby, there was also a different Blofeld. Veteran actor Telly Savalas (1922-1994) played Bond’s nemesis. Savalas, better known as the popular Kojak on TV, also appeared in memorable films such as “Cape Fear” and “Birdman of Alcatraz” (both from 1962), 1965’s “The Greatest Story Ever Told”, “The Dirty Dozen” (1967) with Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin and “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970) with Clint Eastwood, Carroll O’Connor and Donald Sutherland.

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Not only was Connery back for “Diamonds are Forever” but Blofeld returned. Charles Gray (1928-2000) portrayed the villain who is involved in the mysterious disappearance of diamonds. Gray, who had a distinguished career in TV and film, not only co-starred in the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) with Tim Curry and “Jigsaw Man” (1983) with Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier, but also made an appearance in 1967’s Bond film, “You Only Live Twice”.

Live And Let Die (1973)

Roger Moore took over the role of 007 in 1973’s “Live and Let Die” which saw Bond trying to infiltrate a heroin plot. Yaphet Kotto portrayed the villainous Mr. Big a.k.a. Dr. Kananga. Kotto has appeared in a number of hit movies including “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968) with Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, the horror classic “Alien” (1979) starring Sigourney Weaver, “The Running Man” (1987) with Arnold Schwarzenegger and co-starred opposite Robert DeNiro in “Midnight Run” (1988).

The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)

Bond finds out that he’s an assassin’s target in “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Legendary screen actor Christopher Lee portrayed Francisco Scaramanga in the film. Lee’s career spans several decades and includes stints as the horror creatures Dracula, Frankenstein and the Mummy. He appeared in the original version of the horror film “The Wicker Man” (1973) and in the Steven Spielberg comedy “1941” (in 1979). In recent years Lee has appeared in the Tim Burton films Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the animated Corpse Bride with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. He also portrayed Count Dooku in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and the dark wizard Saruman in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Who’s behind the disappearance of a Royal Navy submarine and the nuclear weapons that it carries? Bond’s investigation leads him to Karl Stromberg and the unforgettable Jaws. Stromberg was portrayed by Curt Jurgens (1915-1982) who had a successful career in TV and films in his native Germany. The character of Jaws was played by Richard Kiel. Besides playing the toothy character in this movie and again in 1979’s “Moonraker”, Kiel has appeared in 1974’s “The Longest Yard” with Burt Reynolds, “Silver Streak” (1976) with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, 1985’s “Pale Rider” with Clint Eastwood and in the comedy “Happy Gilmore” (1996) with Adam Sandler.

Moonraker (1979)

It’s up to 007 to find out who’s behind the disappearance of a space craft. Michael Lonsdale portrayed Sir Hugo Drax, the movie’s main villain. Lonsdale has had a distinguished career in film including appearances in the critically acclaimed films “Chariots of Fire” (1981), “The Remains of the Day” (1993) with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, “Ronin” (1998) with Robert DeNiro and Jean Reno and 2005’s “Munich” with Eric Bana and future Bond, Daniel Craig.

For Your Eyes Only (1981)

It’s up to Bond to recover the ATAC device before his enemies do. Ernst Stavro Blofeld made a brief appearance in the movie; this time played by John Hollis (1931-2005). Hollis appeared in many films including an uncredited role in 1967’s “The Dirty Dozen”, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, “Flash Gordon” (1980) and “Superman” (1978).

However, the Bond’s main enemy came in the form of Aristotle Kristatos, played by Julian Glover. Glover appeared in the best picture Oscar winning film “Tom Jones” (1963) with Albert Finney, as General Veers in The Empire Strikes Back, co-starred opposite Harrison Ford and former Bond Sean Connery in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989) and in the comedy “King Ralph” (1991). In recent years he has appeared in Troy starring Brad Pitt and voiced the character of Aragog in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Octopussy (1983)

How do Faberge Eggs found in the possession of a murdered 00 figure into a plot to start World War III? Bond had to face the double threat of Kamal Khan and General Orlov to find out. Khan was portrayed by actor Louis Jourdan. Jourdan, who’s had a distinguished career in TV and film in his native France, has appeared in a number of movies, among them the Wes Craven horror flick “Swamp Thing” (1982). Orlov was played by Steven Berkoff. Besides the 1971 thriller “A Clockwork Orange”, Berkoff has appeared in such movies as “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984) with Eddie Murphy, the second installment of “Rambo” with Sylvester Stallone and the 1986 film “Under the Cherry Moon” starring Prince.

A View To A Kill (1985)

Bond must stop a plot to destroy Silicon Valley in 1985’s “A View to a Kill”. 007’s opponent in the movie was Max Zorin who was portrayed by legendary and illustrious actor Christopher Walken. Walken, whose acting resume is second to none, appeared in the horror classics “The Sentinel” (1977) and “The Dead Zone” (1983). He played Batman’s nemesis in Batman Returns, a Vietnam vet in “Pulp Fiction” (1994), a Hessian warrior in Sleepy Hollow and appeared in the action/adventure The Rundown and the comedy Wedding Crashers. He received an Oscar nomination for his role in “Catch Me If You Can” (2002) with Leonardo DiCaprio and won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his work in 1978’s “The Deer Hunter”. Walken next appears opposite John Travolta in the musical “Hairspray”.

The Living Daylights (1987)

Timothy Dalton received his license to kill in 1987’s “The Living Daylights”. Bond had to stop Brad Whitaker and General Georgi Koskov from completing their evil weapons plan. Whitaker was portrayed by Joe Don Baker. Baker starred as Buford Pusser in 1973’s “Walking Tall”, appeared in “The Natural” (1984) with Robert Redford, in the comedy “Fletch” (1985) with Chevy Chase and in the 1995 remake of “Cape Fear”. He would go on to play Bond’s ally Jack Wade in 1995’s “Goldeneye” and “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997) before appearing in the 2005 TV to big screen film “Dukes of Hazzard” (2005) with Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott.

Jeroen Krabbe played the role of General Georgi Koskov. Krabbe has appeared in a variety of movies including “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1986) with Whoopi Goldberg, the critically acclaimed “Prince of Tides” (1991), “The Fugitive” (1993) with Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, the 1994 drama “Immortal Beloved” with Gary Oldman, “Ever After” (1998) with Drew Barrymore and in 2004’s “Ocean’s 12”.

Licence To Kill (1989)

Bond is set on avenging the attack on his friend Felix Leiter (David Hedison) and the murder of Felix’s wife, Della (Priscilla Barnes). In order to do this, he must deal with Franz Sanchez. Sanchez was portrayed by Robert Davi, a versatile actor who has appeared in a number of films. Davi’s film credits include the action packed “Raw Deal” (1986) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, a role as the FBI’s Special Agent Johnson in Die Hard and the 2002 comedy “The Hot Chick” starring Rob Schneider, Anna Faris and Rachel McAdams.

Goldeneye (1995)

Pierce Brosnan took over the role of James Bond in this 1995 film that found 007 trying to track down and determine who is trying to control the Russian satellite Goldeneye and why. Bond’s nemesis in the film was 006 a.k.a. Alec Trevelyan who was played by Sean Bean. Bean, who is also known for playing the lead role of Richard Sharpe in the Sharpe TV movies, is a versatile actor who has starred in such movies as “Patriot Games” (1992) with Harrison Ford and as Boromir in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He recently appeared in the action/adventure National Treasure with Nicolas Cage, 2004’s Troy with Brad Pitt, the 2005 films “Flightplan” with Jodie Foster and “North Country” with Charlize Theron and in the recent horror flick “Silent Hill” (2006).

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Bond has his hands full when he opposes a media magnate with ulterior motives. The film’s villain, Elliot Carver, was portrayed by Jonathan Pryce. Pryce has recently co-starred in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and its sequel, Dead Man’s Chest, as Governor Swann. He also appeared in the cult favorite “Brazil” (1985), the musical “Evita” (1996) with Madonna and Antonio Banderas, 1999’s “Stigmata” and in “De-Lovely” (2004) with Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd. Pryce recently starred in the 2005 films “The New World” and The Brothers Grimm.

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

It’s a game of double and triple cross, when someone wants to stop the construction of the King oil pipeline. Bond had to face off against Renard and Elektra King. Renard was portrayed by Robert Carlyle. Carlyle has portrayed many memorable characters in films including Begbie in 1996’s “Trainspotting” with Ewan McGregor and Gaz in The Full Monty. He has also appeared in the dramas “Angela’s Ashes” (1999), “Ravenous” (1999) and “The Beach” (2000) with Leonardo DiCaprio. Carlyle next appears in the highly anticipated “Eragon” (2006) and the upcoming horror flick “28 Weeks Later” (2007).

Sophia Marceau portrayed the femme fatale Elektra King. Marceau has starred in several movies in her native France and had leading roles in such films as “Braveheart” (1995) with Mel Gibson, the comedy “Lost and Found” (1999) with David Spade, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1999) with Kevin Kline, Michele Pfeiffer and Calista Flockhart and in 2003’s “Alex and Emma” with Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson.

Die Another Day (2002)

Bond is after a villain who is more than what he seems to be. Colonel Moon a.k.a. Gustav Graves was portrayed by Will Yun Lee (Moon) and Toby Stephens (Graves). Lee has appeared in such movies as “Torque” (2004) with Ice Cube and the action/adventure “Elektra” (2005) with Jennifer Garner. Stephens co-starred in the movies “Cousin Bette” (1998) with Jessica Lange and Elisabeth Shue and “Space Cowboys” (2000) with Clint Eastwood, James Garner, Tommy Lee Jones and Donald Sutherland. Stephens, who recently appeared in “Sharpe’s Challenge” with Sean Bean, will be seen in the upcoming horror flick “Dark Corners” with Thora Birch.

Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig takes over the role of 007 in the latest adventures of James Bond. This time around Bond takes part in a gambling tournament in order to track down a terrorist. He’ll have his work cut out for him when he faces Le Chiffre, Steven Obanno and Mr. White. The main villain, Le Chiffre, will be portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen who appeared in the 2004 movie “King Arthur” with Clive Owen. Obanno will be portrayed by Isaach De Bankole who has appeared in “Stay” (2005) with Ryan Goslin, Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts and the thriller The Skeleton Key with Kate Hudson. He recently appeared in the big screen version of “Miami Vice” (2006). Mr. White will be portrayed by Jesper Christensen who co-starred with Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn in 2005’s “The Interpreter”.

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