To celebrate the forthcoming release of Jeffrey Deaver's new James Bond novel Carte Blanche, the Bentley automobiles is releasing a limited edition (only 500 copies worldwide) of the book- creatively packaged inside a case in the shape of a Bentley automobile. Each book is hand-made. Bond traditionally drove a Bentley in the Ian Fleming novels until the introduction of the Aston Martin DB5 in the film series eclipsed the first vehicle. Deaver is bringing Bond's driving habits back to their roots in the new novel, in which 007 once again favors a Bentley. The new edition will set you back $1500. Click here for info

Industry scuttlebutt proved correct when Sony announced that it will distribute the next James Bond film starring Daniel Craig, set to be released in November 2012. Sony distributed the last two Bond blockbusters, Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace. The rights to the series reverted back to MGM, but the financially-troubled studio does not have sufficient resources to promote and distribute the film, thus the joint venture with Sony. Click here for more

Kiel as the villain Jaws in a publicity still from the 1979 film Moonraker, in which he made a return appearance following The Spy Who Loved Me.

Actor Richard Kiel will be attending a special screening of the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, May 6. Film historian Bruce Crawford will host. Tickets are $20. Click here for details

Moore with Gloria Hendry in Live and Let Die (1973), his first Bond film.

It has officially been announced that Sir Roger Moore will write a book titled Bond on Bond to be published in September 2012 by Pollinger, the company that published his best-selling autobiography. The book's release will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 007 film series. In the book, Sir Roger will share his thoughts about every aspect of the Bond phenomenon, including personal memories and his thoughts about Bond's gadgets, cars and villains. For more click here

Scoular was one of James Bond's bedmates in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, which starred George Lazenby.

Actress Angela Scoular, who appeared in two James Bond films in the 1960s, has died at age 65. She was married to British actor Leslie Phillips. Although she had been suffering from bowel cancer, no cause of death has been announced pending an investigation. Scoular appeared in numerous TV series and movies as a rising star in the 1960s. She shared a bathtub with Sir James Bond (David Niven) in the 1967 big screen spoof of Casino Royale and appeared as Ruby, the bubble-headed sexpot in the 1969 official 007 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service with George Lazenby. Click here for more

The James Bond web site MI6 HQ reports that producer Barbara Broccoli and director Sam Mendes are in South Africa scouting locations for the next 007 flick, which will begin filming later this year with Daniel Craig once again in the lead role. Click here for more

For any guy who feels frustrated that they might never be able to date a James Bond girl, you might take some satisfaction in having them in 12" form. Mattel has introduced a line of commemorative James Bond girl Barbies. Here is the official product description:

Barbie goes Bond! Barbie can do just about anything, and now she's got her sights set on the world's top secret agent: Bond, James Bond! What better way to celebrate the long-running film franchise than with this series of dolls depicting the legendary 'Bond Girls'? Collect them all! Dolls stand about 11 1/2-inches tall. This set of 3 individually packaged dolls includes (subject to change): 1x Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore from Goldfinger 1x Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder from Dr. No 1x Halle Berry as Jinx from Die Another Day This daring and captivating assortment includes three Bond Girl favorites! The Goldfinger Barbie Doll features pilot Pussy Galore, all geared up and ready to help 007 thwart Goldfinger's evil plan while wearing a fitted black suit with golden vest. The very first Bond Girl, Honey Ryder, was cool, confident, and completely unforgettable. This Dr. No Barbie Doll pays tribute to a memorable scene from the film as she's dressed in a white, belted swimsuit with a shell-diver knife and sheath. Brave, bold, and beautiful, Jinx was pure luck for James Bond. The Die Another Day Barbie Doll wears an orange bikini inspired by the one Bond first spies her in as she exits the ocean.

Click here to order the set of three dolls from Amazon