In this episode, Bill Koenig and Javi Trujillo are joined by author and Bond historian Steven Jay Rubin for a revealing conversation centred on The James Bond Films: A Behind the Scenes History. Rubin shares how the book first came about and the incredible access he had in the late 1970s—including an unforgettable screening of an early cut of The Spy Who Loved Me alongside Ken Adam and Michael G. Wilson.
Rubin opens up about interviewing Cubby Broccoli, the mistake of sharing transcripts with him, and the behind-the-curtain tensions that followed—and reveals why Michael G. Wilson stopped speaking to him.The discussion takes fascinating turns: how he was forced to use his creativity to source over 200 images for the book, the notorious Criterion Collection laserdisc commentaries and why they were banned, and talking vaudeville with Harry Saltzman. Rubin also reflects on his later work—including The James Bond Movie Encyclopedia
Looking ahead, he offers candid thoughts on what Amazon should (and shouldn't) do with the franchise, why Bond must remain contemporary, and why—despite the action and glamour—it’s ultimately a family series.
With sharp insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on Bond’s legacy and future, this episode is essential listening for any Bond fan who wants to go deeper than the gun barrel.
Where to find us
Steven Jay Rubin
https://www.stevenjayrubin.com/
Bill Koenig
https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/
Javi Trujillo
https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social or https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough