‘A View to a Kill’ Turns 40! 8 Fun Facts About Roger Moore’s Last Hurrah as James Bond
Roger Moore‘s final outing as British secret agent James Bond in A View to a Kill marks its 40th anniversary on May 24, 2025. The film, which grossed $152 million worldwide, introduced audiences to Christopher Walken‘s ruthless villain, Max Zorin, alongside Grace Jones as the formidable May Day and Tanya Roberts as geologist/love interest Stacey Sutton. The film wasn’t very well received and has often been regarded as one of the worst of the franchise, as Moore was simply too old to be playing 007 anymore.
Here are some more fun facts you might not know about View to a Kill:
1 Bon, Simon LeBon
The 1985 film holds a unique place in Bond history, featuring the only theme song from the franchise to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Duran Duran‘s title track blended espionage with rock and remains one of the most recognizable Bond songs. The music video interwove scenes from the film with the band depicted as spies at the Eiffel Tower.
2 There was a Dolph Lundgre cameo
Look closely at the racetrack scene one will spot action star Dolph Lundgren in a minor role as a KGB agent. Lundgren, then dating Grace Jones, landed the part after stepping in for a missing extra.
3 Too much like Goldfinger?
The plot has drawn comparisons to 007’s Goldfinger, with critics citing similarities between the central villains’ plans — both involving a calculated disaster to secure a monopoly. Additionally, parallels have been made to Superman (1978), as both films center around a plot to devastate the California coastline.
4 Ziggy Stardust was almost Zorin
© MGM/ courtesy Everett Collectio
The movie’s casting underwent several shifts before reaching the final lineup. Walken wasn’t the first choice for Zorin — David Bowie initially accepted the role but later withdrew, followed by Sting, who also declined. Similarly, Stacey Sutton was originally meant to be played by Dallas star Priscilla Presley, but she turned it down.
5 There was a real Zorin
One distinguishing feature of A View to a Kill is its opening disclaimer — after the production discovery of a real-life business named Zorin.
6 It was based on a short story
A View to a Kill holds the distinction of being the first Bond film not directly named after an Ian Fleming story, though it drew inspiration from his short story From a View to a Kill. Unlike previous entries, it omitted the reveal of the next film’s title, simply concluding with, “James Bond will return.”
7 Moore and Jones were at odds
MGM/Courtesy: Everett Collection
While the film delivered high-stakes action, tensions brewed off-camera. Moore, known for his diplomatic nature, found himself tested by Jones’ loud dressing room music. In a documentary, Moore recounted an incident in which he unplugged Jones’ speakers before throwing a chair at the wall in frustration — an impact reportedly still visible at Pinewood Studios.
Moore said, “I’m afraid my diplomatic charm stretched to the limit with Grace. Every day in her dressing room, which was adjacent to mine, she played very loud music. One day, I snapped. I marched into th room, pulled the plug out, and went back to my room, picked up a chair, and flung it at the wall. The dent is still there.
8 Moore wasn’t always so serious
Despite its mixed reception, Moore’s legacy as a lighthearted and witty Bond remains intact. A blooper reel captures a humorous moment between Moore and Roberts during an otherwise serious scene, showcasing his playful rapport with the cast.
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