BOX OFFICE RESULT: $63.6 million (USA)
WORLDWIDE BOX OFFICE: $141.2 million
BUDGET: $9 million (USA)
- Most female voices heard in this film, with the notable exception of Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny, are dubbed by the same (uncredited) English actress.
- Kevin McClory owned the rights to the novel by Ian Fleming, and wanted Richard Burton to play James Bond. However, he could not find enough backing for production until Albert R. Broccoli agreed, on the condition that Sean Connery continue his role.
- The title song was originally to be "Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" sung by Dionne Warwick, but was changed at the last minute to "Thunderball" sung by Tom Jones.
- The first 007 movie to be filmed in Panavision.
- Stuntman Bill Cummings was paid a $450 bonus to jump into Largo's shark infested pool.
- Intended to be the first 007 movie, but legal wrangles with its co-author lead to Dr. No (1962) being chosen instead.
- The many underwater scenes stem from writer Kevin McClory's interest in watersports.
- Claudine Auger was a former Miss France, but being French her voice was dubbed.
- For the first time, Sean Connery performs the gunbarrel opening sequence. In the first three Bond films, the job was done with stuntman Bob Simmons.
- In the scene where Bond and Domino meet underwater and disappear behind a rock, the scene was originally supposed to show Domino's bikini float out from behind the rock. Producer Albert R. Broccoli vetoed this because he felt it was too suggestive.
- The first James Bond film in widescreen format.
- Tom Jones reportedly fainted after recording the high note at the end of the theme song.
- Luciana Paluzzi was originally considered for the role of Domino, but was cast as evil Fiona Volpe instead.
- Martine Beswick had previously appeared as one of the gypsy girls in From Russia With Love.
- First 007 film in which Bond doesn't smoke. Interestingly though, a large papier-mache Marlboro box can be spotted on the right side of the screen during a festival.
- Academy Award winner for Best Visual Effects (John Stears).
WRITERS: Kevin McClory, Jack Whittingham, Ian Fleming, Josh Hopkins and Richard Maibaum, and based on the story by Ian Fleming.
PRODUCERS: Kevin McClory, Albert R. Broccoli (uncredited) and Harry Saltzman (uncredited).
ORIGINAL MUSIC: John Barry.
DISTRIBUTOR: United Artists.
Nurse: Too healthy.
Bond: No, some men don't like to be taken for a ride.
Bond: Oh, I travel...a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
Bond: You don't think I enjoyed what we did this evening, do you? What I did tonight was for Queen and country!
Bond: Lady's gun, isn't it?
Emilio Largo: Oh, do you know a lot about guns?
Bond: No, but I know a little bit about women.
Bond: I think he got the point.
Bond: Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.