Movies News Talk
The idea of a female James Bond sparks debate among James Bond fans, but a hidden part of James Bond history might surprise you!
In a surprising reveal from author Nicholas Shakespeare's book, "Ian Fleming: The Complete Man," Susan Hayward was initially considered as the female Bond. In 1950s, she was a celebrated actress, making her a plausible choice for James Bond back then.
Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, considered several actors to play Bond actor. Although he wasn't against the idea of a female Bond character, the Bond producer and the times seemed more inclined toward having a male lead.
While the idea of gender representation is getting more traction with diverse casts in Bond Movies, the idea of a female Bond role meets resistance. Even though there are arguments for greater diversity in film and strong female characters, many want the original James Bond to be male, based on the James Bond franchise's origin and James Bond casting.
You may be surprised to learn about the past. Many prominent Bond actors like Daniel Craig, and producers within the James Bond franchise have called for more inclusion, while suggesting there is resistance to change. However, this highlights that the idea of a female Bond is a part of this movie's history!
While there is plenty of speculation about Bond actor rumors and who could take on the James Bond role for Bond 26, including big names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, and even Lashana Lynch, who has already had a key role in the recent films, fans should keep in mind that even though female representation has been championed, it's difficult to predict which route will be taken.
With the long and varied history of the James Bond franchise, fans should always keep in mind that a new version of the role would still draw controversy, especially in the era of modern backlash and the call for greater inclusion. A reboot franchise might even be the way to go, creating a world where female Bond is not an oddity but a normal part of the narrative.