20 Things You Didn’t Know About Goldfinger (1964)

13. “I Never Joke About My Work, Double-0 Seven!”

Goldfinger, James Bond
MGM/UA

In contrast to his professional respect for James Bond in From Russia With Love, Q (Desmond Llewelyn) shows increasing consternation towards Double-0 Seven in Goldfinger.

The scene in which Q equips Bond for his mission was originally written in a very similar style to their previous encounter. However, last-minute script rewrites led Guy Hamilton to change the dynamic between Double-0 Seven and the MI6 Quartermaster, redefining their onscreen relationship.

Hamilton explained to Llewelyn that James Bond always undermined the importance of Q's gadgets and frequently damaged or destroyed them. The director therefore encouraged the Welsh actor to be as intolerant of Sean Connery's Bond as possible, whilst still being professional. This led to Q becoming increasingly annoyed by Bond's juvenile quips and apparent disregard for his work.

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