The SPECTRE Timeline

The SPECTRE timeline SPecial Executive for Counterintelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion. Thunderbal 1961 The book marks SPECTRE's first appearance. Kevin McClory successfully sues Fleming, resulting in he, Jack Whittingham and Fleming being credited for the story and McClory is awarded film rights. The Spy Who Loved Me 1962 The organization is mentioned but not Dr No Dr Julius No reveals to 007 that he works for involved in the plot. SPECTRE. On Her Majesty's From Russia Secret Service 1963 With Love The second book in In place of SMERSH, as in the book, it is SPECTRE what is often known as “the Blofeld trilogy", that lures 007 to Istanbul. 007 is again pitched against SPECTRE. Blofeld is seen behind a screen, stroking a white cat. You Only Live Twice 1964 Following the murder of his wife shortly after marriage, James Bond is sent to Japan on an easy mission. There he once again comes across Blofeld, masquerading as Dr Shatterhand. 1965 Thunderball In order to fend off a rival James Bond film series, Eon Productions collaborated with Kevin McClory as he held the film rights and who receives the sole producer credit on the film. Once again, little is seen of Blofeld. 1967 You Only Live Twice Donald Pleasence plays Ernst Stavro Blofeld and for the first time the character is allowed real screen time. 1969 On Her Majesty's Secret Service Telly Savalas steps into the shoes of Blofeld for George Lazenby's only appearance as James Bond. 1971 Diamonds Are Forever 007 tracks down Blofeld, played by Charles Gray, to Las Vegas. 1977 The Spy Who Loved Me An early script draft included SPECTRE. However, when McClory claimed sole copyright of SPECTRE and threatened to sue Eon Productions, SPECTRE was removed from the plot to avoid any delay to filming caused by legal action. 1981 For Your Eyes Only A bald character, unnamed but obviously supposed to be Blofeld, is dropped down a tall chimney in London. This is a message from Cubby Broccoli aimed squarely at McClory; Eon doesn't need Blofeld. For Special Services 1982 John Gardner's second 007 novel features a revived SPECTRE run by Blofeld's daughter. 1983 Never Say Never Again Max Von Sydow plays Blofeld in Kevin McClory's remake of Thunderball, with the return of Sean Connery as 007. Role of Honour 1984 SPECTRE returns in Gardner’s third book. Nobody Lives For Ever 1986 Gardner’s fifth 007 novel once again features SPECTRE. Blast From The Past 1997 Raymond Benson reintroduces Blofeld's assistant, Irma Bunt, in this short sequel to You Only Live Twice. 1998 Warhead 2000 MGM and United Artists sue Sony and McClory to prevent filming of another Thunderball remake. The dispute is settled out of court. 2013 McClory's estate sells film rights Danjaq and MGM finally acquire all rights claimed by Kevin McClory after reaching an agreement with his heirs. 2014 SPECTRE At a photocall at Pinewood Studios on 4th December 2014, director Sam Mendes announces the title of the 24th James Bond film would be SPECTRE. This infographic may be reproduced on condition that a link is provided to www.TheJamesBondDossier.com.