James Bond 25, No Time To Die, will see Daniel Craig back for what thought to be his last outing as Bond, but it looks set for an unprecedented change to the character. The film stars four supporting actresses alongside Craig: Naomie Harris, Ana de Armas, Lashana Lynch and Leave Seydoux. Having first joined the franchise in 2015’s Spectre, Seydoux will be back as Bond’s love interest, Madeleine Swann.
Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has also been drafted in as a writer to help with the script, leading to rumours Bond 25 will herald a more modern, updated era for the fictional spy.
Now, Harris has revealed No Time To Die sees a change to the Bond status quo which has “never” been seen before.
“In Bond 25 you have four strong, intelligent women who are responsible for driving the plot forward,” she told The Guardian. “They’ve never had that in Bond before.”
In addition, the Moneypenny actress also confirmed reports Bond would no longer be up to his womanising ways.
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“He’s not disrespecting women, he’s not after a women because of how attractive she looks and what quality lay she is,” she continued.
“He’s genuinely in a relationship with a woman he respects, loves and cherishes.”
Harris’ comments appear to confirm dramatic changes to Bond, who has an established reputation for bedding ‘Bond girls’ during the movie franchise’s six decades.
Ian Fleming first created the suave character for his books back in 1953.
According to reports, producer Barbara Broccoli wants to keep Craig “closely involved” with the future of the franchise.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: “Daniel has been the driving force behind Bond 25. He is determined to go out in style.
“He hired Phoebe and he’s been closely involved in every aspect of this film, from the script to the development of the characters.”
The insider went on to say Broccoli had been “vocal in her support” of the Bond favourite and “would love him to return to direct the next one”.
According to the source close to the film, Craig is backing the changes to the iconic character.
“Daniel is so in tune with the character and has been saying Bond has to grow and change to fit the times,” they said.
Should Craig go on to step up as a director following his departure from the lead role, it would mark the first time one of the 007 actors has ever directed one of the films.
James Bond: No Time To Die will be released in UK cinemas April 3