The name James Bond has become synonymous with the quintessential British spy, and stepping into the role is akin to etching one’s name in the annals of history. With Daniel Craig’s departure from the iconic character, speculation about his successor has ignited fervent discussions about the future of the beloved franchise.
Having embraced the mantle of Bond with his debut in Casino Royale during the mid-2000s, Daniel Craig’s swan song as the secret agent came with No Time To Die in 2021. Naturally, the conversation swiftly turned toward the enigmatic figure poised to follow in Craig’s footsteps, prompting a barrage of names to be floated, including the intriguing notion of a female Bond.
However, the longstanding producer of the Bond series, Barbara Broccoli, who has been an integral part of the franchise since 1995, has unequivocally asserted that the titular character will continue to be portrayed by a man. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Broccoli conveyed her stance, saying, “I think it will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond. I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles. I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women.”
The discussion then veered toward the possibility of casting a non-white actor as Bond, to which Broccoli revealed a willingness to explore this avenue. She stated, “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”
Even Roger Moore’s son, Geoffrey Moore, commonly known as Jaffa, weighed in on the notion of a female Bond and conveyed his skepticism. Speaking to the Express, he remarked, “Well, then it’s no longer James Bond. I mean, she could be 006, 008, or 009.”
Reflecting on the most recent Bond installment, No Time To Die, wherein Lashana Lynch assumed the role of 007 after Bond’s departure, Jaffa highlighted a sense of confusion. He expounded, “In the last Bond I think this was the confusion… That she [Lashana’s character Nomi] was 007 and then said, ‘I’ve got to give it back to Bond. It’s his number’.”
Despite his reservations, Jaffa indicated that he could entertain the idea of a female iteration of Bond, provided it was part of a separate series distinct from the 007 franchise. He proposed, “Maybe there will be a ‘From the filmmakers of James Bond comes Jane or Jemima Bond’ or whatever.”
One contender frequently speculated to don the iconic tuxedo was Idris Elba. However, in February, Elba seemingly removed himself from the running, asserting, “You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with ‘J’ and ends with ‘B,’ but I’m not going to be that guy. I’m going to be John Luther. That’s who I am.”
As the anticipation for the new Bond intensifies, fans eagerly await the unveiling of the next actor to step into the hallowed role. The fervor surrounding the casting decision attests to the enduring allure of the iconic British spy and the indelible legacy he embodies.
