Director drama aside, the big news surrounding 2020’s ‘Bond 25’ is about Daniel Craig. After leading the franchise to new heights commercially, the superstar is leaving his 007 role after the upcoming film. Craig hasn’t even begun filming his swansong yet, but people are still focused on who might replace him, with Idris Elba being the latest name being tossed around by fans. While diversity seems to be the key with whoever they cast in the role next, producer Barbara Broccoli can confirm one idea that will never change about the superspy — James Bond will always be a male.
In an interview with The Guardian, the producer explains why all the talk around the possibility of a female Bond is for naught. Bond is, and will always be, a suave, badass…male.
“Bond is male,” she said. “He’s a male character. He was written as a male and I think he’ll probably stay as a male. And that’s fine. We don’t have to turn male characters into women. Let’s just create more female characters and make the story fit those female characters.”
Broccoli’s sentiments seem to echo that of Academy Award-nominated actress, and former Bond Girl, Rosamund Pike. The actress spoke out about the idea of a female Bond months ago, saying that the character was envisioned as a man, and if audiences are desperate to see a female superspy, then they should get a brand-new character, or use an existing Bond Girl.
Broccoli says that even though she’s not going to hire a female to take over the coveted 007 role, she believes that the ‘Bond’ franchise has become even more socially conscious and modern under Daniel Craig. She explains, “But look at the way the world has changed. And I think Bond has come through and transformed with the times. I’ve tried to do my part, and I think particularly with the Daniel films, they’ve become much more current in terms of the way women are viewed.”
And while she audiences probably won’t ever see a female leading the way on screen, the producer confirms that she’s ready to hire a female behind the camera, saying that a female director is almost a certainty.
“Yes, absolutely,” says Broccoli. “As a female producer, of course I’d like to do that.”
So, no, ‘Bond’ fans won’t ever see a female 007, but the main woman behind-the-scenes assures you that the series is more feminist than ever and will be on the lookout for a female creative voice in the future.
But for now, fans have Cary Fukunaga and Daniel Craig leading the way for one last film in this era of the spy. Then, who knows what the future might bring?