It’s time to shake things up.
Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of James Bond and with it a legacy that more or less repeats itself throughout the decades. While film franchises have grown with the times to reflect our society better, 007 has remained almost static despite minute changes.
No Time To Die marks Daniel Craig’s last roll of the dice as the world’s most famous spy – having filled the tux since Casino Royale – and there’s no better time to re-boot Bond.
The franchise is in dire need of new blood, and not just the next iteration of a long line of the same person – white, straight, men. While Bond barely changes, it’s high time the person playing him does.
Here are some suggestions – a shake-up that may stir some opinions…
Lupita Nyong’o
Though Nyong’o has made appearances in many familiar films, 2018’s Black Panther put her front and centre for the world to appreciate. She has also starred in Us, Star Wars, and Little Monsters and has shown to be a versatile actress capable of outstanding performances.
It was rumoured she would be the next ‘Bond Girl’, but her talents would be wasted as the next Bond’s armpiece. Instead, let’s swap her ring blades for a Walther PPK and let her skills speak for themselves.
Henry Golding
Much like Nyong’o, Henry Golding took the spotlight in recent years thanks to his performance in Crazy Rich Asians. He has since gained the status of international heartthrob and looks stellar in a black tux, which, let’s face it, is pretty important for any potential Bond.
Though his previous acting accolades show his dramatic and comedy chops, 2021’s Snake Eyes will undoubtedly show off his fighting talents. Hopefully, this will be enough to catch the eyes of Bond talent scouts.
Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson is an acting veteran with decades of experience behind her. She has, of course, played spies in the past, as seen in X-Files, The Spy Who Dumped Me, and Johnny English.
Her poise, elegance, and sophistication are familiar in the Bond Universe, and as such a talented actress, she could bring unexplored narrative options to the dusty Bond dinosaur.
Luke Evans
Pierce Brosnan once said that he would be up for a gay bond, and frankly, there isn’t a better choice than Luke Evans. He has the looks and experience for sure, but his familiarity with action roles would make it a seamless transition.
Plus, with the Bond films usually dressed in monochrome, why not add a little rainbow to the mix?
Emily Blunt
There really isn’t a role Emily Blunt can’t succeed in. Her acting portfolio is incredibly diverse, and having previously be eyed for Marvel’s Black Widow, why not have her kick some ass for Queen and country?
She has also staked her claim before, stating she would be up for the challenge of filling Craig’s shoes.
Regé-Jean Page
Regé-Jean Page is the kind of up-and-coming talent that studio executives eat up in franchise films. Page broke the internet for his role in Bridgerton, which was actually a little more Fifty Shades of Grey than Downtown Abbey. Though he doesn’t have a portfolio as expansive as others, he embodies what it means to be Bond.
Sixty-three million households watched Bridgerton, and let’s just say it wasn’t for the Victorian dresses and old English quips. If Bond producers were smart, they would capitalise on that buzz.
Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer is more than familiar with a gun, thanks to her depiction of assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve. Though her character is a little more dangerous sociopath than dapper super-spy, Comer could be the perfect candidate for the very first female Bond.
She is a young and emerging talent, and as shown in Killing Eve, she enjoys a cocktail or two just like Bond.
Throughout debates about the future of the franchise, people forget two simple things. 1) 007 is a title; James Bond just happens to be the agent that has filled that spot and 2) Shocker, it’s not real.
When one thinks of the values and tropes that support the Bond universe, it is never the fact he is a man, or white, or straight. Though Bond has been male for decades, it has never been intrinsic to his character, so why not give the films some new energy?
