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A former Bond girl from the Daniel Craig era addresses the idea of a female James Bond, saying "You just have to respect the tradition." Ever since Daniel Craig's final portrayal in 2021's No Time to Die, the franchise's producers have been conducting an exhaustive search for the next James Bond, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson being the biggest betting favorite, while Jodie Comer has also emerged as a contender to become the first female Bond, though producer Barbara Broccoli has repeatedly shot down the idea.
Now, Gemma Arteron, who played the Bond girl Strawberry Fields in 2008's Quantum of Solace, addressed the idea of a female James Bond. During a recent interview with The Times, Arteron was asked, "Isn’t a female James Bond like Mary Poppins being played by a man?" She seemed to agree, saying, "People would find it too outrageous. Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition." Read her full response below:
They talk about it, but I think people would find it too outrageous. Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition. I don’t regret doing a Bond film, but I am perplexed why it has followed me around. I was only in the film for five minutes.
Why It's Unlikely
Gemma Arteron's comments seem to capture the consensus opinion on a female James Bond. Many people would certainly find it outrageous, resulting in a massive backlash. Arteron's remarks reflect the common skepticism toward a female Bond, suggesting that it would clash with the long-standing tradition dating back to the first James Bond movie, 1962's Dr. No starring Sean Connery, and even further back to Ian Fleming's first book from 1953. The question, comparing it to a man playing Mary Poppins, highlights this perceived incongruity.
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Arteron's acknowledgment of the ongoing discussion surrounding a female Bond demonstrates an awareness of shifting gender norms, but her stance—respecting tradition—aligns with a broader consensus resisting drastic changes to iconic characters. Arteron's own perplexity about her lingering association with her brief Bond role underscores the franchise's cultural grip and the immense grip of its traditions. Whether the next Bond will uphold this tradition or embrace a bold new direction remains to be seen.
Our Take On A Female James Bond
Why It Could Happen
While the time for the first female James Bond seems long overdue, it seemingly won't happen for the foreseeable future. Producer Barbara Broccoli, who wields tremendous power over the franchise, has repeatedly shot down the idea, bluntly stating "I don’t think a woman should play James Bond." However, James Bond has always changed with the times, so perhaps, Broccoli and the public opinion on a female Bond will shift in the near future.
James Bond 26 is expected to be released in 2026.
Source: The Times
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James Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond's mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
Upcoming Films James Bond 26
First TV Show Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
First Episode Air Date January 29, 2014
TV Show(s) Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
Summary
The James Bond franchise centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007. Created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has been featured in novels, films, television, radio, comics, and video games. The film series, produced by Eon Productions, is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in history, known for its blend of espionage, action, and sophisticated style.
English (US) ·