007: First Light tells a new origin story for James Bond — but it also brings back some of the franchise’s most iconic cinematic elements. From the swirling Gun Barrel sequence to the unmistakable sound of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (OHMSS), IO Interactive is blending classic ingredients with a modern approach.
The Gun Barrel Sequence: A Timeless Signature
Few visual motifs are as iconic to the Bond franchise as the Gun Barrel sequence. First introduced in Dr. No (1962), it typically shows Bond walking into frame, turning suddenly to fire his gun — followed by a splash of red cascading down over the iconic white barrel design (as seen in the official James Bond making-of video embedded above).
In most classic Bond films, this sequence appears at the very beginning, before the explosive pre-title action scene and the stylized opening titles. The rhythm is familiar: Gun Barrel, action, credits — the unmistakable Bond formula.
In more recent entries like Casino Royale and Skyfall, this structure was sometimes changed, with the Gun Barrel appearing at the end instead. But regardless of where it’s placed, it remains a signature moment — a cinematic stamp that says: Bond is here.
IO Interactive has confirmed that 007: First Light will include its own version of the Gun Barrel. In a recent interview with Inverse, Creative Director Rasmus Poulsen said:
“We certainly have it, and make sure it’s right. Beyond that, I’ll leave it to the future, and maybe not even, because maybe there’s a reason to not tell you about it.”
So when exactly will it appear in the game?
While nothing has been officially confirmed, several theoretical placements come to mind — and the following are personal interpretations, based on narrative structure, Bond film traditions, and a key conversation from the reveal trailer.
As a cinematic opening — leading into the mission
One personal theory — grounded in Bond tradition — suggests the Gun Barrel opens the game, directly followed by an intense pre-title-style mission.
That sequence could be “the mission” mentioned by M and Greenway in the reveal trailer: a failed operation in Iceland, where Bond, still a Royal Navy officer, goes off-book and ends up the sole survivor. He’s accused of insubordination, and only survives by sheer instinct and luck.
While it’s not confirmed whether this mission will be playable, it fits the mold of a standalone, self-contained prologue level — much like the cold opens of many Bond films. In that case, the Gun Barrel would serve as a proper curtain-raiser, launching the game with dramatic style and unmistakable identity.
After the failed 009 mission
Another possibility is that the Gun Barrel comes after Bond’s first assignment as a newly recruited MI6 agent — the attempt to locate or stop Agent 009. According to official details, this mission fails, and may mark the transition into the game’s core narrative.
Here, the Gun Barrel could serve as a narrative reset — a signal that the real mission, and Bond’s journey toward becoming 007, is only just beginning.
As seen in the trailer – inside the museum
Finally, there’s the visually striking moment in the reveal trailer, where Bond stands in a grand museum hall. As the camera rushes toward him, he spins and fires — mimicking the classic Gun Barrel pose almost exactly.
Whether this is the sequence itself, a visual homage, or simply trailer-specific animation remains unclear. But its stylistic precision certainly feels intentional.
Whatever the case, First Light’s Gun Barrel moment seems destined to carry real narrative weight. And whether it opens the game, bridges two key missions, or simply honors a legacy — one thing is certain: When it happens, we’ll know: Bond has arrived.
OHMSS in the Trailer: A Musical Tease
The reveal trailer for First Light (embedded above) featured an unexpected musical choice: the dynamic and emotionally charged instrumental theme from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), composed by John Barry.
In an interview with ScreenRant, IOI Franchise Director Jonathan Lacaille explained:
“The theme is from that movie, but there’s no strong reason for that. Music is so essential, though. We had to tease with some Bond notes, but Bond has to earn the theme before playing it.”
This comment implies a clear musical structure: the iconic Bond cues are being deliberately withheld until Bond has grown into the role. In other words, the music — and everything it represents — must be earned.
The OHMSS theme has appeared in Bond media before in the final act of No Time To Die. It’s a motif associated with transition and emotional resonance — fitting for a story about Bond becoming Bond.
When Will Bond Earn the Theme?
If the game is holding back the music until Bond earns it, then when does he actually become 007 — and when will we hear the full Bond theme?
Two likely scenarios emerge:
1. The Final Act: 007 in Action
Bond receives his 00-status late in the game, just in time for a climactic mission. This would allow players to briefly experience the full 007 identity — complete with theme music and visual cues.
2. The Ending: A Post-Mission Send-Off
Alternatively, Bond completes the final mission without the title, only to receive his 00-status in a closing cutscene. The screen fades, the Gun Barrel reappears, and for the first time, the Bond theme plays. A fitting payoff for the journey.
Either way, the timing of these cinematic elements will serve as a marker of Bond’s evolution — and ours as players.
More Than Just Music and Gun Barrels
The Gun Barrel and OHMSS theme are just two pieces of the cinematic puzzle. First Light appears to be bringing back other classic Bond elements as well:
- Key characters from MI6, including M and Q, are already confirmed
- The mysterious Isola, who may serve as the game’s first Bond girl
- Gadgets and spy tech reminiscent of the films — such as the iconic Omega Seamaster with a built-in laser
- Signature vehicles, including Aston Martins, Land Rovers, and even a Jaguar glimpsed in early footage
- And of course, the globe-trotting locations — a Bond trademark in every era. Based on early material, First Light may include missions in Vietnam, Slowakia, and possibly Italy
These are familiar ingredients — but their use in First Light seems carefully reworked to fit the tone and pacing of a Bond origin story. Iconic elements, yes — but reintroduced with purpose.
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