As far as long-running franchises go, there are few quite as prolific as the James Bond movies. 007 has entertained moviegoers for decades, and Eon Productions is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Next up for the Martini-drinking MI6 agent is Cary Joji Fukunaga's No Time to Die, which will mark Daniel Craig's final movie as Bond. The cast is rounded out by faces old a new, including Knives Out's Ana de Armas as newcomer Paloma. And now we have more of an idea about the character.
The events of No Time to Die are being kept under wraps, as the upcoming spy blockbuster only recently wrapped principal photography. Fans are particularly eager to lean about the new characters that will be making their introduction in the 25th installment in the beloved property. Luckily Anna de Armas recently spoke to her upcoming Bond girl, saying:
I wouldn’t say she’s ordinary, because when she needs to perform her job, she does. But [she] is flawed. She says what she feels, she’s nervous, she’s scared. It’s human. When I read it, I was like, ‘Oh, wait — I can be a Bond girl. I’m that. I’m that messy.’ That’s what felt so attractive, on top of what she’s actually doing in the story, which is another step toward giving women a more powerful and strong place in the films.
Well, that's certainly exciting. It looks like Paloma isn't going to be a picture perfect figure in No Time to Die. She'll instead be flawed, likely adding some realism to the larger than life franchise.
Ana de Armas' comments to LA Times show how the franchise is continuing to grow and change, especially regarding the treatment of female characters. Bond movies always have one or two Bond girls attached, who usually look perfect and are poised-- even when stepping out from the ocean or disarming a bomb. That wasn't the type of character that appealed to de Armas, with Paloma's flaws being the chief reason why she wanted the role.
Related: No Time To Die Star Says The Women ‘Wear The Pants’ In New Bond Movie
Just what Paloma will bring to the table remains a mystery, but James' upcoming adventure will lead to them crossing paths. She's the fourth major female character set to appear in No Time to Die, and one of two newcomers. Naomie Harris' and Léa Seydoux are reprising their roles as Moneypenny and Dr. Madeleine Swann. What's more, Captain Marvel's is playing Nomi, who reportedly took the mantle of 007 following James' retirement.
It should be interesting to see how all of these women's stories are serviced, especially within a franchise with a somewhat problematic past. Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge was brought on to help with the movie's script, which is a major step forward. In fact, rumors indicate Eon is looking at Waller-Bridge to write the next installment in property.
No Time to Die will hit theaters on April 8th, 2020. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies. And our 2020 release list to look ahead toward the New Year.
