Build-A-Bond

What would a version of Casino Royale made in 1958 with an entirely queer cast have looked like? That was the challenge I set myself when I was invited on the Build-A-Bond podcast.

These are my three lead actors in 'Queersino Royale'. But who is Vesper, who is Le Chiffre and who is Bond? Listen to the podcast to find out!

If the first Bond film been made in 1958 my casting pick for Felix would have been Tab Hunter, then 27 years old. He's the perfect fit for Fleming's description of the character.

Unable to be out for most of his career, Tab appeared in more than 60 films. He came out as gay in his 2005 autobiography. There's an excellent 2015 documentary about Tab (Tab Hunter Confidential) which explores the pressures faced by him and other gay actors in Hollywood.

In the podcast, I also give my casting choices for Q and M, along with my selection of director and title song artist.