‘Casino Royale’: Unveiling Surprising Facts and Untold Stories of the 007 movie

“Casino Royale” is a captivating film that holds a special place in the iconic James Bond franchise. Released in 2006, it marked a significant turning point for the series, introducing a fresh and grittier portrayal of the legendary MI6 agent, 007. 

This topic will delve into some of these lesser-known aspects of “Casino Royale” and the broader 007 universe. From surprising casting choices to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, these intriguing facts shed light on the making of this remarkable Bond film. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind “Casino Royale” and delve into the unexpected facets of the iconic 007 saga.

Fact 1: The First Novel

Casino Royale is the first James Bond book written by esteemed British author Ian Fleming. This groundbreaking work, published in 1953, introduced the world to the remarkable exploits of James Bond, paving the way for a captivating literary saga comprising eleven novels and two collections of short stories penned by Fleming, as well as an array of continuation Bond novels written by other authors.

Narrative Highlights:

  • The brave British secret agent James Bond immerses himself in a high-stakes gambling venture at the opulent casino in Royale-les-Eaux.
  • Bond’s audacious mission: to bankrupt Le Chiffre, the treasurer of a French union and an undercover member of the Russian secret service.
  • Bond finds solace in the unwavering support of Vesper Lynd, a fellow operative from his own service.
  • Enigmatic figures like Felix Leiter of the CIA and René Mathis of the French Deuxième Bureau lend their aid to Bond’s perilous endeavour.
  • Fleming draws inspiration from his experiences in the Naval Intelligence Division during World War II and incorporates intriguing personalities encountered during covert undertakings.
  • Bond’s character reflects Fleming’s inclinations, adding extra charisma to the tale.
  • The “Casino Royale” draft took shape in early 1952 at Fleming’s idyllic Goldeneye estate in Jamaica.
  • Fleming seeks reassurance from his friend, renowned novelist William Plomer, regarding the novel’s publishability.

Jonathan Cape published the novel on April 13, 1953, in hardcover. The first print run was only 4,728 copies and sold out in less than a month. In May 1954, a different edition of the novel (8000 copies) was released. In the United States, the novel was published on March 23, 1954, but it was not in demand – about 4,000 copies were sold in the year of publication.

Fact 2: It Isn’t a Casino!

As you know, the part of the filming took place at the Grand Hotel Pupp, the legendary hotel in the Carlsbad resort (or Karlovy Vary), with its renewal owed to the movie “Casino Royale”. But what will be your surprise when we say that Daniel Craig performs Bond plays in a casino with the villain Le Chiffre not in a casino, but in one of the ballrooms of the Grand Hotel Pupp.

Fans of the Bond franchise are distraught because they do not have the opportunity to roll the dice or make no deposit free spins. After all, the mythical “Casino Royale” exists only on the screens.

Fact 3: The Spy and Drinks

The recipe of the iconic spy’s renowned drink, vodka martini, shaken, not stirred, is first mentioned in the seventh chapter of the book “Casino Royale.”

Here are some of the notable drinks that James Bond has been associated with:

  1. Champagne: Bond often indulges in champagne, particularly prestigious brands like Bollinger or Dom Pérignon. It is frequently seen as a symbol of celebration and luxury in the films.
  2. Whisky: Bond is also known to appreciate fine whiskies, including Scotch whisky. Famous whisky brands like Macallan and Talisker have appeared in the Bond films.
  3. Bourbon: Bond occasionally enjoys bourbon, a type of American whiskey. Brands like Maker’s Mark and Old Forester have been referenced in the franchise.
  4. Gin and Tonic: In some instances, Bond has been seen savouring a classic gin and tonic, usually made with a high-quality gin and a splash of tonic water.
  5. Rum: Bond has been depicted enjoying rum occasionally, often in tropical settings. Rum cocktails like the Mojito or Cuba Libre have been associated with the character.
  6. Beer: While less frequently portrayed, Bond has been drinking beer in certain scenes. Brands like Heineken and Miller have been featured in the films.

It’s worth noting that the choice of Bond’s drink can vary depending on the specific film or novel, as well as the preferences of the actor portraying Bond at the time.

Fact 4: Daniel Craig and… the Teeth

Daniel Craig lost two teeth while filming a fight scene in Prague. It happened to be the very first action sequence that was shot. His dentist had to fly from London to replace them.

Fact 5: A Little About The Guinness Book of Records

The film holds a Guinness World Record for “Most Cannon Rolls in a Car.” Stunt driver Adam Kirley executed seven cannon rolls with an Aston Martin DBS while filming Millbrook Proving Ground in the United Kingdom in July 2006.

Fact 6: Haute Couture Clothing

Daniel Craig’s suits and tuxedos were made by the Italian fashion house Brioni (their logo can be briefly seen on the tuxedo bag Vesper gives him). His shirts and ties were made by the British firm Turnbull and Asser. In addition, he wears Persol sunglasses, S. T. Dupont cufflinks, Albert Thurston suspenders, Sunspel polo and T-shirts, shoes from Converse, John Lobb and Nike, Ted Baker pants, La Perla swim trunks, Giorgio Armani leather jacket and an Omega watch. 

Brioni also dressed all the players at the Royale Casino poker table.

Fact 7: Soundtrack Not Soundtrack

Chris Cornell‘s title track “You Know My Name” debuted on the US charts on December 9, 2006, where it peaked at number seventy-nine, peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart; sold 148,000 copies in the UK in 2006 and sold 323,000 digital copies and 3 .5 million US streams as of 2017. The song does not appear on the soundtrack. This is the first time the title song was not included on the soundtrack.

There is no mention of “Casino Royale” in “You Know My Name” because, according to Chris Cornell, he “couldn’t imagine it would fit into the lyrics of the song that would come out of my mouth.” He added, “Casino Royale wasn’t a good rock title, but I would write a song called Octopussy just for fun.”