It would appear that, after a year-and-a-half of delays, “No Time to Die” is really going to hit theaters in October. And with that, fans of James Bond will witness Daniel Craig’s swansong as the superspy 007. This all begs the question, “Who’s going to take over the role of James Bond after Craig leaves?” Well, the actor himself isn’t quite sure but he doesn’t think it should be a woman.
Speaking to Radio Times, Daniel Craig was asked if he thinks a woman could step into the shoes of 007 and become the new face of the franchise. The actor had a clear, but perhaps controversial response.
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“The answer to that is very simple,” Craig said. “There should simply be better parts for women and actors of color. Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?”
This idea that a woman couldn’t step into the shoes of James Bond has been a hotly debated topic for years now. Back in 2018, Rosamund Pike spoke out against the idea of a female Bond by saying the role was “very masculine.” And more importantly, Barbara Broccoli, a producer of the Bond franchise, has talked about this issue several times over the years and has flat-out said that there won’t be a female Bond.
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That said, when you talk to folks that are against a female Bond, many of them will say that studios should create “better” roles for women so that they don’t have to be 007. Of course, that argument sidesteps the massive impact a female Bond would have for female representation in franchise films. Look at “Doctor Who,” for example. Sure, there could have been a female-led “Doctor Who”-ripoff series, but when the producers decided to cast Jodie Whittaker in the role years ago, it was monumental for the franchise and brought new interest.
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So, sure there can be female superspy franchises. We’ve seen those over the years. But James Bond is the character that rules over them all. And having a woman take over that role would be a huge change for the franchise and would instantly make for a huge step in representation. That said, since Broccoli and her company pull the strings, don’t hold your breath. It ain’t happening anytime soon.
