Next year, Daniel Craig sails off into the proverbial sunset after the release of his final James Bond film, “No Time to Die.” Well, at least, that’s what we all assume. However, after the last film, “Spectre,” Craig said he’s rather slit his wrists than come back to the franchise, and last we checked, his wrists are in fine shape. But, for the time being, let’s assume Craig is done after the new film. That leaves the inevitable question of who will take over the role?
The debate about who should play Bond in the next iteration of the franchise seems to be as fierce as ever, with some people saying the obvious choice is Idris Elba, while others think a woman is ready to step into the spotlight (Perhaps, Lashanna Lynch, as she is rumored to take on the 007 mantle in the new film?). Or there are people like Danny Boyle, who think Robert Pattinson is the prime candidate. As for Pierce Brosnan, the pre-Daniel Craig Bond actor, he believes it’s time that the role had a much-needed shot of estrogen.
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When speaking to THR, Brosnan was asked if he’d like to see a female Bond in the future. His reply left no room for ambiguity.
“Yes!” Brosnan said. “I think we’ve watched the guys do it for the last 40 years. Get out of the way, guys, and put a woman up there. I think it would be exhilarating, it would be exciting.”
He added, “I don’t think that’s going to happen with the Broccolis. I don’t think that is going to happen under their watch.”
Fans of the franchise will no doubt know that “the Broccolis” refers to the family that has the rights to the character and controls the creative decision-making. In the past, Barbara Broccoli has said that she never wants to see a female Bond, but says there is the chance for diversity moving forward. This comment also seems to be a little different than what Brosnan said last year about the idea of a woman taking over.
Regardless of what gender the future Bond identifies as, Brosnan does believe that the producers of the beloved franchise will have to reckon with the #MeToo movement and what it means for the super spy, who has, for decades, been a bit of a womanizer, to put it lightly.
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“Without question, yes… The #MeToo movement has been relevant and significant and well needed in our society, so they’ll have to address that,” he said.
It’s unclear whether #MeToo will be mentioned or have an obvious effect on “No Time to Die.” As of now, not a whole hell of a lot is known, to be honest. What we do know is that the next James Bond film will arrive in theaters in the UK on April 3, 2020, and the US on April 8, 2020.