'No Time to Die': James Bond can be of any color, but he is definitely male, says producer Barbara Broccoli
Daniel Craig is all set to hang up his boots as the iconic spy in the 25th James Bond installment, 'No Time to Die'. And while there are several names doing the rounds, James Norton being the latest in the list, producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed that the character can be of any color, but will most definitely be male. In an interview with Variety, Broccoli said, "James Bond 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. I think women are far more interesting than that," she added. The upcoming Bond film sees Lashana Lynch play a female 00 after Craig leaves active service. Her portrayal of the character sparked theories that there could a female Bond in future films, except, Broccoli has just quashed all speculations.
Earlier, A Daily Mail report said 'No Time to Die' would see Lynch in a crucial role. Talking to the site, a source revealed major information on the character. "There is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says 'Come in 007', and in walks Lashana who is black, beautiful and a woman." The source said, "It's a popcorn-dropping moment. Bond is still Bond but he's been replaced as 007 by this stunning woman."
"Bond, of course, is sexually attracted to the new female 007 and tries his usual seduction tricks, but is baffled when they don't work on a brilliant, young black woman who basically rolls her eyes at him and has no interest in jumping into his bed." the source adds. "Well, certainly not at the beginning."
'No Time to Die' will be Craig's fifth 007 film, with Oscar-winner Rami Malek taking on the role of the antagonist. Ralph Fiennes, Rory Kinnear, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Lea Seydoux and Jeffrey Wright will all return for the 25th movie.
'No Time to Die' releases April 10 in the US.