James Bond is a fictional British Secret Service agent created by author Ian Fleming in 1953. He works for MI6, the British foreign intelligence service, and holds the codename "007" (pronounced "double-O-seven"). The "00" prefix signifies that he has a "license to kill" in the line of duty, allowing him to use lethal force at his discretion to complete his missions.

As of 2024, six actors have portrayed James Bond in the official Eon Productions film series: Sean Connery (the first), George Lazenby (for one film), Roger Moore (known for a more lighthearted take), Timothy Dalton (a grittier interpretation), Pierce Brosnan (combining action and charm), and Daniel Craig (a rebooted, more realistic version). David Niven also played him in the non-canon spoof "Casino Royale" (1967).

The Aston Martin DB5 is the most iconic vehicle associated with James Bond. It first appeared in the film "Goldfinger" (1964) equipped with gadgets like revolving license plates, an ejector seat, machine guns, and tire slashers. It has reappeared in numerous subsequent films, including "Thunderball," "GoldenEye," "Skyfall," and "No Time to Die," symbolizing the franchise's legacy and style.

"M" is the code letter for the Head of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and Bond's superior. The character has been played by Bernard Lee, Robert Brown, Judi Dench, and Ralph Fiennes. "Q" (Quartermaster) is the head of Q Branch, the research and development division that supplies Bond with his famous gadgets, weapons, and vehicles. Desmond Llewelyn is the most famous Q, followed by John Cleese and Ben Whishaw.

A "Bond Girl" is a character type who serves as a love interest, companion, or sometimes villain to James Bond. They are known for their glamorous names (e.g., Pussy Galore, Honey Ryder, Vesper Lynd) and beauty. Over the decades, the archetype has evolved from primarily damsels in distress or eye candy to more complex, independent, and capable characters who play crucial roles in the plot.

Ernst Stavro Blofeld is considered James Bond's arch-nemesis. He is the head of the global criminal organization SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion). Known for his white Persian cat and often hidden face in early films, Blofeld has been the mastermind behind many plots Bond has foiled. He has been portrayed by actors like Donald Pleasence, Telly Savalas, and Christoph Waltz.

James Bond's signature drink is the "Vesper Martini," as described in the novel "Casino Royale." However, he is most famously associated with the "Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred." This catchphrase has become one of the most recognizable lines in cinema history, symbolizing Bond's refined yet specific tastes.

As of 2024, there are 25 official films produced by Eon Productions, starting with "Dr. No" (1962) and ending with "No Time to Die" (2021). There are also two "non-canon" films: "Casino Royale" (1967) and "Never Say Never Again" (1983), the latter seeing Sean Connery return to the role outside the official franchise.

The "James Bond Theme" is a distinctive piece of surf rock-influenced orchestral music composed by Monty Norman (arranged by John Barry). It features a famous guitar riff and brass fanfare. It has been used in every Eon-produced Bond film, usually during the "gun barrel sequence" at the start of the movie, and is synonymous with the suspense and action of the series.

While James Bond is a fictional character, Ian Fleming based him on several individuals he met during his time in the Naval Intelligence Division during World War II, as well as his own experiences. Fleming wanted Bond to be an "extremely dull, uninteresting man to whom things happened," naming him after an American ornithologist because he felt the name was brief and masculine.