MOVIE NEWS – The James Bond franchise has long been synonymous with thrilling espionage, glamorous characters, and jaw-dropping stunts. It’s these extraordinary stunts that have helped sustain the series for over six decades and 25 films, making it one of the longest-running franchises in cinematic history. Over the years, these stunts have only grown bolder, with each new installment raising expectations and adding pressure to create moments that surpass their predecessors.

While all stunt work involves some level of risk, the James Bond series takes those risks to new heights. Behind every breathtaking scene lies a team of skilled professionals who follow strict safety protocols. Yet, no matter how thorough the preparations, danger is always part of the equation. One of the most remarkable stunts in the franchise’s history is the corkscrew jump from The Man With the Golden Gun (1974). This ground-breaking practical stunt remains a testament to the franchise’s pioneering spirit and technical mastery.

The corkscrew jump, featured in The Man With the Golden Gun, was not just an iconic moment but also a historic milestone in filmmaking, as it was the first of its kind ever captured on film. The sequence takes place in Bangkok, Thailand, where Bond (played by Roger Moore) is in hot pursuit of Scaramanga (Christopher Lee). In a daring chase, Bond commandeers a red AMC Hornet with J.W. Pepper (Clifton James) as his unwilling passenger—a cameo that connects the film to its predecessor, Live and Let Die (1973).

When the two characters find themselves separated from their target by a river, Bond reverses the car to gain momentum before accelerating up a ramp. The vehicle then performs a full 360-degree rotation in mid-air, landing safely on the opposite bank. Pulling off such a risky stunt required meticulous preparation and coordination, and though it carried the potential for serious injury, the production team executed it flawlessly, ensuring no harm came to anyone involved.

The Origins of James Bond’s Iconic Stunt

The credit for this audacious stunt goes to Joie Chitwood, an experienced stunt driver, and Raymond McHenry, a visionary designer. Chitwood, who had previously contributed to Live and Let Die, pitched the idea to director Guy Hamilton after seeing a photograph of a similar car maneuver. To bring this vision to life, the stunt required precise planning and cutting-edge technology. The so-called “Astro Spiral Jump” involved intricate mathematical calculations to ensure its success and safety.

To achieve this, the production enlisted the expertise of New York’s Calspan Corporation, which provided the necessary mathematical and computerized analysis. Their findings determined that the car had to be perfectly balanced, with its weight centered, and it needed to hit the curved ramp at exactly 48 miles per hour. Any deviation could have led to disaster for stunt driver Loren “Bumps” Willert. On the 35th day of filming, dressed in all black and seated between two mannequins representing Bond and Pepper, Willert performed the stunt in a single take, cementing its place in cinematic history.

A Landmark Moment in Film

This stunt not only redefined what was possible in action cinema but also solidified the James Bond franchise’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. Known for its memorable characters, compelling villains, and elaborate action sequences, the series has set a standard that few have been able to match. Taking on the role of 007 has always been both an honor and a challenge for actors, who must live up to the franchise’s rich legacy.

Dedicated fans of the series continue to celebrate its history by collecting memorabilia and visiting iconic filming locations. One such piece of history is the AMC Hornet featured in the corkscrew jump, now housed at the British National Motor Museum. With over 60 years of legacy, the franchise offers endless opportunities for fans to experience its rich cinematic heritage firsthand. As new generations discover James Bond, they too are introduced to one of the most enduring and iconic series in film history. The Man With the Golden Gun is currently available for rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.

Source: MovieWeb