Bond is the longest-running franchise ever and there's a reason

Javier Bardem’s words, "Bond is the longest-running franchise ever and there's a reason for that: they are action movies but they are also touched by current events without being political or too serious," reveal an understanding of what has made the James Bond series not just a collection of films, but a cultural institution. Bardem points to the timeless appeal of Bond movies—their ability to capture the spirit of the age while maintaining a sense of escapism and entertainment. This duality is what has allowed Bond to endure for over six decades. The movies are driven by thrilling action and adventure, but they are also woven into the fabric of the times in which they are made, allowing each film to resonate with audiences, regardless of the era in which they are released.

In the ancient world, heroes were often shaped by the times in which they lived. Homer’s Achilles, for example, was not just a warrior; he was a man of his time, a symbol of Greek values and honor. The Iliad and the Odyssey are timeless because they touch on universal themes of human nature, but they are also deeply embedded in the political and social currents of ancient Greece. Similarly, Heracles, with his trials and his strength, is both a figure of mythological power and a reflection of the heroic ideals that were valued in his culture. Bond, like these ancient heroes, is more than just a man of action—he is a reflection of the changing ideals and concerns of the modern world. His adventures are not isolated from reality but are shaped by the ever-evolving global landscape.

Take the Cold War as an example. The early Bond films, such as Dr. No and From Russia with Love, were products of a world divided by ideological struggle. Bond was more than just a spy—he was a symbol of Western values, a counterpoint to the growing threat of Soviet communism. Yet, these films never became political treatises; they remained accessible, filled with action, glamour, and intrigue, but still touched by the reality of their times. Bond’s encounters with villains, such as SPECTRE or SMERSH, reflected the fears and tensions of a world living on the edge of global conflict. Just as the ancient epics reflected their times, the Bond films reflected the social and political climate of the Cold War, but they never let these elements overwhelm the core of the story—action and adventure.

Even as the world moved into the post-Cold War era, Bond films continued to evolve. In the 1990s, as global threats shifted, so too did the character of Bond. Films like GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies addressed issues of corporate power, the rise of global terrorism, and the technological shifts of the modern world. These themes were embedded in the plots, not as overt political statements, but as subtext—allowing the Bond films to stay relevant without being burdened by ideology. This balance of escapism and subtle commentary is part of what makes Bond so enduring. He is not a character who is bogged down by the seriousness of politics, but one who is simply navigating the world as it exists—both in the present and in the collective imagination.

Consider also the ancient Roman hero Aeneas, whose story is told in Virgil’s Aeneid. Aeneas, like Bond, is a man of action, driven by his mission to found a new city for his people. But Aeneas’ journey is also imbued with the values of duty and honor that were central to Roman identity. His story resonates because it captures both the universal nature of human struggle and the specific concerns of the Roman Empire. Aeneas’ journey is a reflection of the Roman ideals of responsibility and sacrifice, yet it never becomes an overt political speech—it is simply a reflection of the world in which he lived. In the same way, Bond's stories reflect the moral complexities of the modern world, but they remain entertainments, allowing us to escape into a world of espionage and adventure while still engaging with the issues that shape the real world.

The lesson from Bond and Aeneas is clear: the best stories are those that capture the spirit of their time without becoming bogged down in the politics or fads of the day. Stories that touch on current events, yet remain timeless, offer us a way to engage with the world’s problems while still maintaining the joy and freedom of escapism. Like Bond, we must learn to navigate the complexities of our world without being overwhelmed by them, finding a balance between action and reflection, escape and reality. Art, whether in the form of film, literature, or other mediums, should embrace the present, but never at the expense of its timeless qualities.

As you move forward in life, embrace the balance between being grounded in the realities of the world around you and allowing space for creativity and freedom. Understand that action and adventure do not need to be overshadowed by the seriousness of current events, but can coexist in a way that makes them more meaningful. Like Bond, you can navigate the complexities of your time without losing the sense of joy and wonder that makes life worth living. Let the world’s challenges inspire you, but let your story be one that rises above the noise, standing as a beacon of hope, action, and resilience.