 The character of Pushkin was originally to have been General Gogol,  a recurring character since _Spy Who Loved Me, The (1977)_ (qv).  Indeed, Pushkin is chief of the KGB, the very position Gogol held in  previous appearances. A new character was created actor after  Walter Gotell (qv) fell ill and producer Albert R. Broccoli (qv)  could not get him insured. Gotell has said Broccoli even offered to  pay an extensive sum personally but still could not get coverage.  Pushkins girlfriend was likewise supposed to be the secretary seen  romancing Gogol in several films. Gotell was able to film a cameo as  Gogol (now a member of the Soviet foreign office) for the end of the  movie, marking that characters final appearance.