Roger Moore's son Geoffrey says there should never be a female James Bond as he calls on franchise to 'go back to its roots' after following in his father's footsteps with spy film role

Sir Roger Moore's son has called on James Bond to go back to its roots as the franchise looks poised to announce the next 007.  

Geoffrey Moore, 60, is channelling his famous father with his new role as an MI5 agent in Knightfall, a British spy thriller.

And with his father playing the world's most famous fictional spy in seven Bond films, Geoffrey told the Daily Mail how Roger's esteemed career influenced his work and his thoughts on how the franchise should carry on. 

Since Daniel Craig left the role in 2021, there have been numerous names thrown into the ring to replace him, from Callum Turner to Jack Lowden to Jacob Elordi. 

While Geoffrey had no preference from the shortlist, saying he trusted producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon to make the correct call, he did muse: 'I would go back to the beginning. Bond liked to drink and he was a marksman, you know.'

Indeed Bond has evolved since Roger was in the role, and with the character facing criticism for being sexist and misogynistic, there has even been talk of a woman taking on the role. 

Yet Geoffrey has insisted that this isn't the way to save the role, quipping: 'Well, if it's a female Bond, then call her Jemima.' 

Arguing that if fans want a female lead then a separate franchise should be created, he said: 'I mean, it's "James" Bond. Like there's a Superman and there's a Superwoman.' 

While he agreed that women can play spy roles well, pointing out Charlize Theron's 'a**kicking' skills in 2017's Atomic Blonde, he continued: 'I think a female Bond - a 00-whatever should have her own story.'

Stating that women are typically smarter than men, he added: 'Jemima's own story [could be] she's actually smarter and - there'd be a lot more bickering - but less wars and less fighting.

'I think it could be an elegant one.'

Geoffrey has just had a taste of life as 007, having taken on a role in a spy film of his own. 

He stars as MI5 Charles Knight, an infamous former spy catcher, who must work with his estranged daughter Ros (Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott) to avert a homeland security bloodbath. 

It marks Geoffrey's debut as a leading man, which for some would seem a daunting process, but as he explained, growing up around his father taught him the basics from a young age. 

Roger starred in seven Bond films, aged 45 when he made the first, Live and Let Die, in 1973. 

'My second womb was a soundstage,' Geoffrey joked. 'My whole life has been around studios and the environment, the people, the unions...

'So having had that in my system, this felt that maybe it was my time. I don't want to be famous or anything, it was more about I support England, I support independent films and I think there aren't enough of them. 

'I've thoroughly enjoyed it, and I thought, blimey, I should have done this a little earlier.' 

On whether he'd taken inspiration from his father's legendary films, Geoffrey mused: 'We're creatures of mimics, so if you watch someone long enough, you'll be able to imitate them... 

'I spent a lot of time with him on films, going over his, his script, and you never stop learning. So that experience taught me a lot. 

'His talent and professionalism helped me be able to read lines at the level that he would have expected. That was for me the best type of tuition, not having to go to film school.' 

It's clear that Geoffrey has also inherited his father's charm and personality, as when asked if he'd want to do his own stunt scenes like Roger, he laughed: 'I'll do my love scenes if that counts!' 

For now, Geoffrey is enjoying his foray into acting, and would also like to become more involved in behind-the-scenes work such as casting.  

Knightfall is available on UK streaming services now and on blu-ray (Miracle Media) from October 26