The next James Bond could be a non-binary figure, the saga's producer Barbara Broccoli has said. The 61-year-old, who has worked on 13 Bond films, including "Octopussy", "License to Kill", "Tomorrow Never Dies", and the latest one, "No Time to Die", made the statement while speaking on the podcast Girls on Film.
Host Anna Smith quizzed Broccoli about the next film in the franchise and whether producers plan to introduce any changes to 007's identity and character.
"Non-binary, perhaps, maybe one day?", Smith asked.
"Who knows? I mean, I think it's open. We just have to find the right actor", the film producer replied.
At the same time, she disproved rumours that Britain's most famous spy could be a woman.
"I don't think that we should be making films where women are playing men. I think we should be making more films about women. I think Bond will be a man", Barbara Broccoli said.
A non-binary person is defined as someone who doesn't identify as being female or male and uses pronouns like "they" or "them".
The news has caused a torrent of angry comments on social media.
The news has caused a torrent of angry comments on social media.
Even people who are not fans of the saga voiced their discontent.
Many users said they won't watch the next film if 007 is made a non-binary person.
Others predicted the end of the franchise itself if producers go forward with the changes.
Some netizens emphasised that the film's producers should stick to Ian Fleming's portrayal of James Bond.
Many users wondered what the plot of the next movie would be like if 007 becomes non-binary.
Still others directed their anger at Barbara Broccoli.
Commenting on the proposed changes, one Hollywood producer, who spoke to the Daily Mail said that 007 "has to adapt to the times, but a non-binary [Bond] might be hard for fans to accept".