James Bond producer says 007 could be non-binary one day: ‘I think it’s open’

Words: Alastair James; pictures: MGM

One of the producers behind James Bond has hinted that the eponymous 007 agent could identify as non-binary one day, in a shock that has probably left many fans shaken, if not stirred. 

Barbara Broccoli has also said that she thinks that the role of Bond shouldn’t be given to a woman because they shouldn’t be “making films where women are playing men.” 

Since Daniel Craig vacated the role of 007 following his last outing in No Time to Die people have been speculating who will be next to take up the mantle, with many clamouring for a departure from a straight white man. 

“We just have to find the right actor”

Speaking to the Girls on Film podcast, Broccoli says, when asked if Bond should always be played by a man, “I do. I don’t think that we should be making films where women are playing men. I think we should be making more films about women and create female characters. I think Bond will be a man.”

Answering a follow-up question about whether Bond could be non-binary, Broccoli appears to disregard her previous comment: “Who knows? I mean, I think it’s open. We just have to find the right actor.” 

On improving diversity within the Bond franchise Barbara says she is open to the character being played by a Black actor. “Absolutely,” she says. “We want the actor to be British […] and British, as we know, can be many things.”

The producer also reveals they aren’t looking at new Bonds just yet following No Time to Die, but that the search will resume in 2022. But that hasn’t stopped people from offering their suggestions for who would make an ideal British secret agent.

Speaking to Attitude ahead of the release of No Time to Die, British actor Ben Whishaw, who is gay, said out gay actors such as Jonathan Bailey and Luke Evans would be “ideal casting” and both would be “thrilling” as 007.

Discussing the idea of an openly gay actor playing the role Ben said: “God, can you imagine? I mean, it would be quite an extraordinary thing. Of course, I would like to see that.

“I really believe that we should be working towards a world where anyone can play anything and it would be really thrilling if it didn’t matter about someone’s sexuality to take on a role like this. I think that would be real progress.”

Watch the full interview with Ben below:

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