'James Bond is Male Character!’ No Time to Die Producer Dispels Rumour of 'Black Woman' as Next 007
© REUTERS / Ginnette Riquelme
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With Daniel Craig soon relinquishing his James Bond role, which he has held for 15 years since "Casino Royale," speculation about who the next 007 will be is rife. Some suggest it may be a woman of colour.
James Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli is adamant that the role of Britain’s legendary secret agent should be played by a man, and only a man.
“James Bond is a male character. I hope that there will be many, many films made with women, for women, by women, about women,” the head of Eon Productions told the PA news agency.
Broccoli, whose company is key in hiring the cast for the franchise, said that she doesn’t think that creators should take “a male character and have a woman portray him,” despite rumours that the series could take a pro-feminist turn.
The producer added that Craig’s replacement won’t be discussed until 2022.
“I'm sort of in denial, I would love for Daniel to continue forever,” Broccoli said. “So I'm not thinking about [his replacement]. That's something Michael and I will discuss next year.”
Lashana Lynch, whose character Naomi steps into 007's shoes while Bond enjoys his retirement in the new "No Time to Die" movie, was rumoured to be one of the possible successors to Craig – but fans now don’t believe this is likely following Broccoli’s comments.
No Time To Die producer Barbara Broccoli insists James Bond is a male character and a woman will not portray the spy. She is waiting until 2022 to discuss Daniel Craig’s replacement. pic.twitter.com/MxBhQyHqPi
— CravingFilm (@CravingFilm) September 27, 2021
"James Bond is a male character"
— Jeremy Balcombe (@JeremyBalcombe) September 27, 2021
“I don’t think we have to take a male character and have a woman portray him. So yes, I see him as male” said Broccoli.
Well said and hopefully these ridiculous discussions can stop! @007
In 2020, James Bond producer Barbara
— Farhan The Enthusiast 🎬📚 (@farhan__mehmood) September 22, 2021
Broccoli said.
"He can be of any color, but he is male I
believe we should be creating new
characters for women--strong female
characters. I'm not particularly interested
in taking a male character and having a
woman play it."
Craig himself told Radio Times last week that he thinks Bond should remain a man.
“There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour. Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?” the 53-year-old actor said.
"Bridgerton" star Regé-Jean Page, "Superman" Henry Cavill, the Marvel Universe’s Idris Elba, and Tom Hardy are all being earmarked for the role.
