Back in July 2019, it was revealed that Lashana Lynch’s new role in the upcoming James Bond film, “No Time to Die,” would actually be in a position that fans are very familiar with. Though her character might be new, Lynch begins the film as the new 007, a title/designation normally carried by the suave superspy played by Daniel Craig. And when this news was revealed, there were “fans” (aka trolls) that cried foul and complained that a Black woman shouldn’t be given the title of 007. But according to Lynch, even though those attacks hurt, at first, she’s proud of being the latest person to carry the moniker of 007.
Speaking to Harper‘s Bazaar, Lynch talked about the media attention that exploded after it was revealed that her character, Nomi, would be the new 007 when “No Time to Die” debuts. And though it was tough at first, given the toxicity of some of the people, she’s proud.
“I am one Black woman – if it were another Black woman cast in the role, it would have been the same conversation, she would have got the same attacks, the same abuse,” she explained. “I just have to remind myself that the conversation is happening and that I’m a part of something that will be very, very revolutionary.”
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Of course, as mentioned above, just because Nomi is given the 007 title in the film, Lynch is not expected to step into the shoes of Daniel Craig and lead the series into the next phase. As producer (and holder of the keys to the James Bond franchise) Barbara Broccoli has stated numerous times, she doesn’t see a woman ever stepping into the role of Bond. And she hasn’t even fully said that the next actor hired to tackle the franchise will be a Person of Color, though many fans are hoping that’s the case.
Either way, even if the 007 title is a temporary thing for “No Time to Die,” Lynch is making history as the first Black woman to hold that designation in the Bond franchise. And because of that, she’s excited to change how people think of the typical role of a white male 007.
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“I feel very grateful that I get to challenge those narratives,” Lynch said. “We’re moving away from toxic masculinity, and that’s happening because women are being open, demanding and vocal, and calling out misbehaviour as soon as we see it.”
As of now, “No Time to Die” is expected to open on April 2, 2021.
