Bond producer Barbara Broccoli says 007 will always be a man
"I don’t think we have to take a male character and have a woman portray him"
Famed James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli believes that the legendary spy should always be played by a man.
‘No Time To Die’ is finally being released on September 30 after a string of long delays due to the pandemic, and will feature Daniel Craig’s last turn as 007 after 15 years in the role.
Fans have been speculating about who will replace Craig ever since his departure was confirmed.
Guesses vary from Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston. However, some fans are keen to see a woman take up the mantle, with Suranne Jones and Jodie Comer both popping up as bookies’ favourites.
However, Barbara has now thrown cold water over the idea of a male Bond, telling PA Media: “James Bond is a male character.”
“I hope that there will be many, many films made with women, for women, by women, about women,” she continued. “I don’t think we have to take a male character and have a woman portray him. So yes, I see him as male. And I’m sort of in denial, I would love for Daniel to continue forever.”
Her comments echo those of Daniel Craig, who previously explained “there should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour”. He added: “Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?’
‘No Time To Die’ stars Lashana Lynch as a new 00 agent, and she says her character is “standing up for Black women”.
But fans will be kept waiting a while longer to find out who will be stepping into Bond’s shoes, with Broccoli previously revealing that Craig’s replacement won’t be revealed until at least 2022. She denied that plans are already underway on Radio 4’s Today programme: “Oh God no. We’re not thinking about it at all.”
“We want Daniel to have his time of celebration. Next year we’ll start thinking about the future,” she insisted.