20 Things You Didn't Know About Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
9. Last Minute Moneypenny
Lois Maxwell was concerned that playing Miss Moneypenny was negatively affecting her career, as she had to commit to several days of filming for a small fee. She held out for a higher salary before agreeing to join Diamonds Are Forever, so the filmmakers excluded Moneypenny from the script until a deal was struck.
When she arrived on-set, it was discovered that she had dyed her hair black in preparation for her part in the Agatha Christie adaptation, Endless Night (1972), so the filmmakers considered recasting her role. The solution was simple: Moneypenny appeared dressed as a Customs officer wearing a hat to conceal Maxwell’s hair.
In 1975, Lois Maxwell revealed her suggestion that, if the filmmakers wanted to write her out of the series, they could give Moneypenny an expanded role in the Las Vegas segment of the film, flying in to assist Double-0 Seven and gaining the villains' attention; afterwards, her plane could explode during her return flight. The actress disclosed that she would rather be killed off in grand style than be discreetly retired from the role.