When it comes to replacing Daniel Craig as 007, anything is possible.
That’s the resounding message of hope from Barbara Broccoli, a long-time producer of the James Bond series who recently sat down with UK tabloid The Daily Mail to discuss the potential agents who could wind up wielding that world-famous license to kill.
Broccoli stopped short of naming names, which isn’t all that surprising when you consider that MGM still has Bond 25 on its radar. It’s currently on course for a release in November of 2019, and will, after much deliberation, signal Daniel Craig’s last hurrah. Beyond that, little is known about the franchise’s future. But when Barbara Broccoli was asked straight-up about the chances of James Bond featuring a female or black – or both! – agent, the seasoned film producer responded as so:
These films tend to reflect the times so we always try to push the envelope a little bit. Anything is possible. Right now it’s Daniel Craig, and I’m very happy with Daniel Craig, but who knows what the future will bring?
That doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the next James Bond will mix things up in the casting department, but it does lend fans a sliver of hope. Besides, after 12 white male actors and more than 50 years of espionage action, many believe that a shake-up is long overdue – so long as it’s not diversity for diversity’s sake.
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time that a prominent British IP has gender-swapped its leading role. From Doctor Who to Sherlock, viewers have largely accepted each transition with open arms – you know, barring a few vocal purists – so it’ll be interesting to see whether that seachange goes on to affect James Bond, arguably one of the more prestigious film franchises in the land.
One thing’s for sure: the so-far untitled Bond 25 has been penciled in for November 8th, 2019, and Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) has been briefed about the possibility of taking the reins.
