Plans for the upcoming ‘Bond 25’ are finally starting to come together, with Danny Boyle directing what is assumed to be actor Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond. However, there’s still one debate that doesn’t seem to ever want to die down. Who’s going to play James Bond next? Many would love to see some diversity in the Bond franchise, with either a POC or woman taking over the role. However, there’s at least one actress that wouldn’t want to see a woman take over the legendary role.
Rosamund Pike, who is perhaps best known for her role in “Gone Girl” and will next be seen in Tony Gilroy’s “Beirut,” has spoken about the possibility of a female Bond. And surprisingly, she’s not a fan of the idea. Speaking to Uproxx, she had this to say on the subject:
“I’d just say write a new story. I mean James Bond is a character that Ian Fleming created. I mean, you know of course the brand has become bigger and whatever, but take one of the Bond Girls and give her her own story. I think the character of James Bond is a man. He is really. But I mean, to have such a character in a completely independent series, why should a woman get sort of sloppy seconds? Why should she have once been a man and now it has to be played by a woman? Why not make a kick-ass female agent in her own right?”
While many might not agree with her, Pike does have a point. There are many people, particularly female film fans, who would love to see a woman take over the role of 007. However, Pike just prefers that a new role is created.
“Yeah, you can’t always just flip it and just say, ‘Oh, she’s a woman now.’ I mean, that’s to underestimate a woman entirely I think. There’s nothing really about the James Bond character as written by Ian Fleming that resembles a woman,” Pike continued. “It’s a very masculine creation. So sure, make an unexpected, unapologetic, kick-ass, amazing female agent and yes, I’ll play her.”
Over the last couple years, there have been films like “Atomic Blonde” and “Red Sparrow” that have tried to do their take on the spy genre with a female lead. Both films underwhelmed at the box office, however.
What do you think? Should there be a new role or give 007 over to a female lead?