A woman could be the next 007. It would be a first for the iconic character to be cast as a woman on the 53-year-old "James Bond" franchise. But are long-time James Bond devotees ready for the leap to a Jane Bond? "Spectre's" James Bond, Daniel Craig, has given the notion his nod of approval.
Craig believes a female 007 is a "great idea." He is the latest actor to have taken on the mantle of the sophisticated but mysterious James Bond, with "Spectre" being his most recent outing. It was reported that the actor has declined a big offer to make more films on Ian Fleming's exciting hero.
The first blond Bond said when asked by Bustle about a woman playing the role, "... That's the great thing about the film is it's all about imagination so of course it could happen. Not that's it a huge push, it's just that anything's possible."
Daniel Craig isn't the only one who thinks a female Bond could work. Michael Fassbender, who is one of those rumored shortlisted for the role, has some ideas of his own regarding the next James Bond. He precluded himself from the role, saying the franchise needed a shake up and a younger player, possibly an American.
Fassbender even told GQ magazine, "Even better, how about Jane Bond? A woman. One thing is for sure, it won't be anyone on the bookies' lists. It never is."
Some months back, the actress Gillian Anderson ignited this exact idea, a novel one for the unchanging makeup of the "James Bond 007" movies. The "X-Files" star made a bold move by going on Twitter with an image of herself centrally figured on a James Bond mock-up poster.
When her post came out, a Twitter fever started, mostly supporting the actress and the idea of a female James Bond. Gillian Anderson's Tweet read, "It's Bond. Jane Bond. Thanks for all the votes! (And sorry, don't know who made poster but I love it!) #NextBond"
And she's not the only woman who thinks the role as the female British Secret Service Agent 007 is one to be coveted. "Game of Thrones" actress Emilia Clarke shared with the Daily Star that she had many "unrealized dreams" and one was to play James Bond. Clarke also added, "My ultimate leading man would be Leonardo DiCaprio ..."
James Bond fans have been waiting a while for Craig's successor if indeed he isn't coming back. Nothing official has been said on whether Craig is staying on or going, not even a hint that anybody on the possible list has been picked, despite the vibes it may be Ryan Gosling who will land the role. It has taken a while for Barbara Broccoli to make her choice, or it could be the producers are thinking of doing what others like Roger Moore would see as unthinkable.
Moore, who has also taken on the role of Britain's double-O spy, thinks that, while a Jane Bond character could be included, having a female lead in place of James Bond is not possible. Popular though the idea may be on the Internet, it remains that the James Bond franchise is old fashioned, and a female James Bond may be too far a leap to take.