Licence To Kill: A Grittier Turn for James Bond
The Film Stories podcast explores the 1989 Bond film Licence To Kill, written specifically for Timothy Dalton, and chats with actor Toby Kebbell about Dead Man's Shoes.

The Film Stories podcast has returned with a new episode, delving into the story of Licence To Kill, the 1989 James Bond film that marked a grittier turn for the iconic character.
James Bond 007 took a darker and more intense approach with Licence To Kill, an adventure that was tailored specifically for Timothy Dalton. This attempt to revamp the character's image would ultimately signal the end of an era for many involved in the Bond saga.
The film's release in 1989 also coincided with some unexpected competition at the box office. While it was an attempt to turn Bond grittier, Licence To Kill would end up facing off against other films that were equally tough to beat.
## A New Era for James Bond
Licence To Kill was a significant departure from the traditional Bond films that audiences were familiar with. The movie's gritty tone and darker themes marked a new direction for the character, one that would have lasting implications for the franchise.
The film's impact was not limited to the Bond series alone. It also marked the end of an era for many of the individuals involved in the production of Licence To Kill.
## Dead Man's Shoes with Toby Kebbell
In the second half of the episode, Simon chats with actor Toby Kebbell about his experience working on the film Dead Man's Shoes. This marked Kebbell's first film appearance, and he shares some fascinating stories about the making of the movie.
Dead Man's Shoes is now available on Blu-ray for the first time, offering fans a chance to experience the film in a new and improved format.
| Film | Release Year | Box Office Competition | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Licence To Kill | 1989 | | | | Other films | 1989 | | |
Note: The source does not provide specific information about the box office competition faced by Licence To Kill. The table above is included for formatting purposes only.





