Daniel Craig will soon be suiting up for his fifth and final James Bond film, titled "No Time To Die", set to release spring 2020. The film will reportedly see Bond retired in Jamaica (a familiar spot for the Bond series and original author Ian Fleming) at the start of the film. Presumably, Bond is reluctantly called back for one last mission. With this being Craig final Bond film, changes are on the horizon for the massively successful and long enduring franchise. Rumors have long been floating around the internet that the next bond may break gender or color barriers with the casting of the next 007. After Craig's final film, will the James Bond producers make ambitious changes to its iconic character, or will chose to continue the series's status quo?
If we're going to see a Jane Bond, then I demand to see a Marty Poppins! – Amyus5 years ago
I have a feeling that they will go hard in one of two directions. In one they go even darker and more gritty than they have before, OR they decided to go goofier and more comedic. Either way I will be right there watching. Great idea! – tredmond5 years ago
I think it'll be interesting to compare it to the Mission Impossible series where you have multiple directors of varying backgrounds using an established IP to experiment and tell a new story. Obviously exploring the potential casting decisions is a hot topic right now but what would a James Bond film look with an expressive and experimental director aiming to turn the genre on its head? – CAntonyBaker5 years ago
I don't think James Bond will be as relevant anymore. He'll just be another action star/spy like John Wick or Jason Bourne, no longer as unique. With the #MeToo movement and political correctness, his character would also be more different than it was in the 60's and 70's. Maybe better, but not as distinct.
And no, I don't believe he should change genders. It's James Bond. 007 as a woman isn't James Bond. People watch 007 because he's a man. I feel a gender change would lose more people. Better yet, do a different agent - you don't need a female 007.
Given the fact that he's been a racist at least once and was written as white, it probably also wouldn't be a good idea for him to change races. I wouldn't be against it, but it wouldn't make sense. – OkaNaimo08195 years ago
Daniel Craig became the first 'blonde' Bond, but once his tenure comes to a close, a new face will be required to sip those Vodka martinis and put paid to the latest Mr Big's plans to dominate the world. When considering the many, fine black actors working these days, perhaps it's time that we had a black James Bond. After all, the CIA operative Felix Leiter was recast in the 2006 franchise reboot, with the excellent American actor Jeffrey Wright proving he was more than capable of handling a darker role (excuse the unintended pun). So, which black actor could become Bond and, more importantly, why? Bear in mind that it is the character of Bond that is the focus, so the choice of actor must be one who can both fills those shoes and yet be able to make that character his own. This is not a popularity contest. On a personal note – I would suggest Chiwetel Ejiofor ('Twelve Years a Slave'. 2013). He is the consummate professional who possesses a solid, on-screen (and stage) presence. His IMDB profile shows an impressive track record that demonstrates he can switch from comedic to dramatic roles with ease (just take a look at his performance in 'Kinky Boots'. 2005) and he is ruggedly handsome enough to raise respectful envy from male Bond fans whilst undoubtedly turning more than a few female fans' heads. Remember, James Bond is an iconic role so your choice and reasons must take this into consideration.
I am not sure how many people would like to see a black James Bond, but I am one of those people who would like to see a black James Bond. However, the last time I heard this topic being discussed, there was an opposition for a black actor to take on the role. The main argument against it was that the author envisioned a white person doing this role. But, from a personal point of view, Chiwetel Elijofor would make a great James Bond, or Idris Elba would make a great James Bond. Especially if the character of James Bond is not a character, but a job title that gets filled once the position becomes available at MI6. So, if the James Bond is not a person, but a job position that gets filled up, then yes! A black James Bond would be great. However, if the James Bond is supposed to be a white person because that is the vision of the author, then I would say no because that is the vision of the creator. – nbcaballero6 years ago
Wasn't Idris Elba long rumored to be the next James Bond? He has mass appeal and is a wonderful actor. I think many people would love to see a great actor like him in that role. – Mccaela6 years ago
Debate surrounding the possibility of Idris Elba and, more recently, Gillian Anderson succeeding Daniel Craig as Bond raises questions about identity politics in franchise casting. Should racial and gender minorities strive to make inroads into existing franchises, or should they reject the homogenizing culture of the franchise in favor of more independent and original work? How do these questions relate to the concept of fan culture, and its potentially racist and sexist undertones?
Though possibly not a politically correct statement, I must admit that I would be absolutely disappointed to see Gillian Anderson as Bond. Though she is a phenomenal actress, I do believe James Bond should be played by a male. This franchise has been in existence for almost 40 years. As for Idris Elba...for him to be overlooked due to, as ignorant articles have suggested, his being too "hood," is asinine. He would be a wonderful Bond; he's charismatic, charming, commanding of the audience, and a versatile actor. Therefore, I am arguing against the gender aspect, but in favor of the racial facet. What I find disappointing is the manner in which people are discussing these topics. – danielle5778 years ago
I think the backlash of switching the gender of James Bond would be greater than the backlash of the Ghostbusters reboot and I don't trust the Bond franchise to produce any more quality movies. The next Bond being a woman and the movie being bad coupled with a failed Ghostbuster reboot I think would solidify woman = replacements for mainstream audiences – Atticus8 years ago
