John Glen (director)

John Glen (born May 15, 1932) is a British film director and editor, best known for directing five James Bond films in the 1980s, making him the director with the most entries in the series. Prior to directing, he worked extensively as a film editor and second unit director on numerous notable films, including several Bond films.

Glen's career in the film industry began in the editing department. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a highly sought-after editor for action sequences and large-scale productions. He served as second unit director and editor on On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), and For Your Eyes Only (1981). His work on these films showcased his talent for action choreography and visual storytelling, paving the way for his directorial debut.

Glen took over the James Bond franchise with For Your Eyes Only in 1981, revitalizing the series with a more grounded and realistic tone after the overtly fantastical Moonraker. He subsequently directed Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), The Living Daylights (1987), and Licence to Kill (1989). These films spanned the eras of both Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton as James Bond, showcasing Glen's ability to adapt his directorial style to different actors and character interpretations. Each film offered distinctive action sequences and locations, cementing Glen's legacy within the Bond franchise.

Following his work on the James Bond films, Glen directed other action and adventure films, though none reached the same level of prominence. He is considered a significant figure in the history of the James Bond franchise, credited with maintaining the series' popularity and ensuring its continuation through a crucial period of transition.