However, he didn't walk away empty-handed. In a move that screams "Old Hollywood," Ratoff made a gentleman’s agreement with Fleming: In exchange for waiving his renewal, Ratoff retained a small percentage of future profits and, crucially, the right of first refusal on Casino Royale specifically.
Fleming, desperate to get his hero on screen, agreed. He then sold the rights to all future Bond books to a pair of producers you might have heard of: Broccoli and Saltzman. gregory ratoff james bond rights relinquished
If Ratoff had held onto the rights, James Bond might have been a forgotten B-movie character from the 1950s. Instead, by letting go, he allowed the franchise to fall into the hands that built the legend. However, he didn't walk away empty-handed
Next time you watch Bond order a vodka martini, spare a thought for Gregory Ratoff. He was the man who held the keys to the kingdom—and politely handed them back before the door was unlocked. He then sold the rights to all future
The Forgotten Mogul: How Gregory Ratoff Relinquished the Crown Jewels of Spy Cinema