The Bold Future of James Bond: Embracing Diversity and Breaking New Boundaries

Summary

British intelligence expert John Taylor argues that casting a Black or female James Bond would promote diversity in intelligence services.

Barbara Broccoli, producer of the James Bond franchise, expresses opposition towards the notion of having a female Bond, instead favoring the presence of strong female characters in supporting roles. The search for the next actor to portray Bond is inclusive, accepting actors of any ethnicity, thus presenting an opportunity for a more diverse portrayal of this legendary character.

British intelligence expert John Taylor argues that the next James Bond actor should be Black, female, or both. Following Daniel Craig's departure from the role in No Time to Die, which was released in October 2021, the 007 franchise producers have been quietly searching for his successor. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Richard Madden have emerged as the top contenders. In an interview with The Telegraph, Taylor explains that choosing a Black or female James Bond would promote greater diversity in recruitment for intelligence agencies.

The biggest recruitment aid is Bond. Chiefs might want to change James Bond to be a person of color or a woman to promote diversity and attract a wider range of people. James Bond has had a positive impact throughout its history.

​​​​Why The Next James Bond Probably Won't Be Female

Despite the potential benefits of having a female Bond in terms of diversity and operational capabilities, it is unlikely that this will actually happen. Barbara Broccoli, the producer of the franchise, is firmly against the idea of a woman playing Bond and has consistently dismissed the possibility. In an interview, Broccoli stated unequivocally that she believes a woman should not portray James Bond. Instead, she believes that the franchise should focus on strong female characters in supporting roles.

However, while Broccoli opposes a female Bond, she is open to the idea of casting an actor of any ethnicity, as long as they are British. Idris Elba, a Black actor, is a popular choice among bettors to play Bond, but he has spoken out about the racism he has faced, which has deterred him from pursuing the role. Another strong contender for the next James Bond is Regé-Jean Page, an English actor of Zimbabwean descent. As the search for the next Bond continues, there is the possibility for a more inclusive portrayal of the character's ethnicity.

Source: The Telegraph