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MI6 — Paralleling the famous way James Bond likes his drinks prepared, the iconic franchise is apparently about to get a major shake-up.
Reports indicate that the 007 secret agent number will be taken over by a woman in the 25th Bond installment.
The movie is set to debut next year. Daniel Craig, who has played the stylish agent since 2006’s “Casino Royale,” will play Bond in the film, but it will be his last appearance in the role.
As Craig moves on, the franchise evidently will be passed on to 31-year-old British actress Lashana Lynch. She previously starred as a fighter pilot in “Captain Marvel” earlier this year.
The British publication Daily Mail first reported the news on Saturday.
According to the Daily Mail, “Bond 25” begins with the titular character in retirement. In crisis, spy boss M (Ralph Fiennes) calls Bond back, and — in a pivotal scene early in the film — reveals Lynch’s character "Nomi" as the new 007, the paper reported.
Bond is initially attracted to his successor and attempts to seduce her, but it doesn’t work, the Daily Mail reported.
The publication credits co-screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge with pushing for the Bond franchise’s female shift.
“(The Bond franchise) has just got to grow,” the British actress and writer told the Daily Mail. “It has just got to evolve, and the important thing is that the film treats the women properly. He doesn't have to. He needs to be true to his character.”
The Daily Mail also reports that the phrase “Bond girls” has been banned on the set, and people involved with the film have been asked to say “Bond women” instead.
The “Bond 25” cast also includes Ana de Armas, Rami Malek, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux and Ben Whishaw. Waller-Bridge co-wrote the script with several others, including Cary Joji Fukunaga who is also directing the film.
