British intelligence expert John Taylor addresses the future of the James Bond franchise after the departure of Daniel Craig.

Universal Pictures

SUMMARY

 Fans are debating on social media about who should be the new James Bond, with names like Henry Cavill and Idris Elba being thrown around.

Rumors about a woman taking on the role have caused controversy among fans, but British intelligence expert John Taylor believes it could help diversity.

While the main James Bond saga may take a more classic turn under director Christopher Nolan, spinoffs and TV series could focus on different characters in the universe.

The debate over who should be the new James Bond continues, even though the producers have already stated that there is still a long way to go before they choose the new protagonist of the franchise, especially in the midst of the current actors’ strike in Hollywood.

Even before No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s last film as 007 was released, fans were already debating on social media who should be the heir to the famous role.

From Henry Cavill and Idris Elba, to Aaron Taylor Johnson, Tom Hardy and Richard Madden, dozens of names have appeared as possible options to replace Craig, who set the bar very high.

At times the debate took an unexpected turn, when rumors began to surfaced about the next James Bond being a woman, especially after the 2021 film introduced Lashana Lynch’s character, Nomi, who seemed to be a candidate to take over the part in order to bring some diversity to the saga

. Obviously, criticism did not take long to arrive, with many fans expressing their feelings against this possibility.

However, for British intelligence expert John Taylor, it could be very beneficial. Speaking to The Telegraph, Taylor explained how casting a Black or female James Bond would help in the recruitment process for intelligence agencies:

“[Bond is the] biggest recruitment aid. The only thing chiefs, I think, would want to change, going back to an earlier conversation, and it may happen yet, is that James Bond should be a Black man, or a woman, or a Black woman, and you know [it] would make those sort of people also, for diversity, want to join. James Bond has been nothing but good.”

Beyond Taylor’s statement, to bring greater diversity to the saga it may not be necessary for the new James Bond to be a woman.

Spinoffs of the saga starring female characters could emerge, following a similar path to John Wick and Ballerina, a movie starring Ana de Armas that will try to bring new audiences. Something that could undoubtedly benefit the 007 saga as well.

Times have never looked so positive for women in the Bond franchise, but which actresses could take on the mighty role of the Martini-drinking spy?

The Next James Bond Movies Could Be More Faithful to Ian Fleming’s Novels

MGM/Sony

Although seeking greater diversity may be something good for the James Bond franchise, the future of the secret agent films may actually take a much more classic turn.

The most recent rumors indicate that MGM is interested in acclaimed director Christopher Nolan taking charge of the upcoming movies.

The director has already expressed on several occasions his huge fanaticism for the character created by Ian Fleming, and if he takes the lead for the project, his vision would be to get much closer to the original source material.

However, MGM’s recent alliance with Amazon Studios could help the franchise expand beyond the movies, as they will soon do with a game show starring Brian Cox.

So, even if future films from the main James Bond saga may maintain a more classic style, the rest of the universe could focus on other characters, and even feature spinoffs in the form of television series.