25 Mind-Blowing James Bond Facts You Need To Know
23. Bond Died In The Novel, From Russia With Love
When Dr. No became a hit, the studio scrambled to release a sequel as soon as possible. At the time, Ian Fleming had completed ten Bond novels and was working on the book, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
When the studio found out that President John F. Kennedy's favourite novel in the series was From Russia, With Love, the producers decided to adapt that story next. This was an odd move since James Bond dies in that book!
Although Fleming's first book, Casino Royale, was successful, the sales went into a slump soon after. While his fourth book was being edited, he felt disenfranchised by his work and decided that his fifth book, From Russia With Love, would be his last one. He told his friend and respected author, Raymond Chandler, that "My muse is in a very bad way ... I am getting fed up with Bond and it has been very difficult to make him go through his tawdry tricks."
In the book's final chapter, the KGB agent, Rosa Kleb, stabbed Bond with a poisoned shoe. The story concludes with Bond gasping for air, implying his inevitable demise.
After an outcry from his fans, Fleming reluctantly decided to continue with the series.
(Oh, and as a bonus fact, JFK saw From Russia with Love two days before he was assassinated).