In The Spy Who Loved Me, Stromberg shows his ruthlessness when a secretary is caught selling his secrets to the highest bidder and ix sentenced to a swim with sharks. He seems to enjoy the spectacle, even inviting two men to watch as a way of reinforcing his authority and playing classical music as he observes the attack. It’s a disturbing display of cruelty, but it fits perfectly with Stromberg’s grand vision for humanity and his new world order from Atlantis.

Similar to Drax in Moonraker, Stromberg’s megalomania isn’t just part of his plan, but something that defines his entire personality. While Stromberg may not have the flashy personality or theatrical presence of some other Bond villains, his quiet confidence and calculated approach make him just as dangerous. His arrogance and obsession with creating a “better” world make him a notoriously unhinged villain, and an underrated one at that.