Rami Malek Only Accepted The Terrorist Role In ‘Bond 25’ After Learning Villain Wouldn’t Have A Religious Motivation

If you look at the history of terrorist villains in film, you will likely notice one disturbing trend — the use of racial and religious stereotypes. Back in the ‘90s, after the Gulf War, if you needed a bad guy for your hero to save the world from, then you might as well make them Middle Eastern. Before that, the Japanese were used as stereotypical bad guys after World War II. It’s a trend that actor Rami Malek has noticed and is exactly why he decided to take over the role as villain in the upcoming “Bond 25.”

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Malek explains how he had one rule for filmmaker Cary Fukunaga before taking on the role as the villain that will go against James Bond — he’s not going to be your stereotypical religious extremist.

READ MORE: Idris Elba Says The Idea Of Playing James Bond Is “Fascinating” But Puts Himself In A “Difficult Position” Due To His Skin Color

“It’s a great character and I’m very excited,” said Rami. “But that was one thing that I discussed with Cary [Fukunaga]. I said, ‘We cannot identify him with any act of terrorism reflecting an ideology or a religion. That’s not ­something I would entertain, so if that is why I am your choice then you can count me out.’”

READ MORE: ‘Bond 25’ Behind-The-Scenes Featurette Released Proving That Everything’s Totally Fine

He continued, “But that was clearly not his vision. So he’s a very different kind of terrorist. It’s another extremely clever script from the people who have figured out exactly what people want in those movies. But I feel a substantial weight on my shoulders. I mean, Bond is ­something that we all grow up with.”

READ MORE: Phoebe Waller-Bridge Says Bond Is “Absolutely Relevant” & Says Franchise Just Needs To Grow As Plot Details Surface

While we still don’t know plot specifics, speculation and rumors point to the subject of genetic engineering being the primary focal point for Malek’s villain. What that might entail is really anyone’s guess, but based solely on that idea, it would appear that the typical terrorism go-to reasons are being thrown out of the window in favor of something more unique. And considering Bond is one of those franchises that has used racial and religious stereotypes throughout its decades-long run, this is definitely a welcome change of pace.

“Bond 25” is set to arrive in theaters April 8, 2020.