One of the biggest hot topics of discussion is show business revolves around proper inclusion and visibility. There has been a strong call for more dynamic characters played by people of color, women, and members of the LGBT community. As such, there has been a call for the beloved character James Bond to change with the times, especially since Daniel Craig is finishing his tenure as 007 with the next installment. There have been campaigns to have the next Bond be either a person of color or woman, but one notable Bond Girl doesn't think the latter should occur. Rosamund Pike had a major role in Die Another Day, and recently revealed why she doesn't think a female 007 is the right solution to the problem of inclusion. She said,
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?
Rather than simply flipping the sex of James Bond, Rosamund Pike seems to believe that a new character and franchise should be crafted with a female protagonist. It could certainly be set within the 007 universe, but it would operate independently from the martini sipping MI6 agent we all know and love.
Rosamund Pike makes a pretty great point, as having a female James Bond will have certain complications. There will be an unfair comparison to the male Bonds, and the character would have a hard time standing on its own two feet. Instead, the Gone Girl actress believes a new dynamic female special agent should be crafted. As she told Uproxx,
It's a very masculine creation. So sure, make an unexpected, unapologetic, kick-ass, amazing female agent and yes, I'll play her.
Rosamund Pike makes another great point here, especially considering the history of James Bond. 007 was the ultra masculine energy when first arriving on the silver screen, and has some outdated and misogynist scenes that haven't necessarily aged well. Therefore having a woman occupying the space may feel a bit disjointed.
The former Bond Girl's idea for a female special agent can be seen in Charlize Theron Atomic Blonde. That film went over very well, and Theron was placed on the short list for a female 007 alongside Gillian Anderson. Ultimately Lorraine Broughton as a character stood on its own, and didn't need the James Bond name to make the movie a success.
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