It’s a new day and 007 is a Black woman.

Per multiple reports, including one from Metro, the re-write of the Bond 25 that was done by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) will have British actress Lashana Lynch set as the new 007. Bond 25 is the final film to feature Daniel Craig as Bond. Cary Fukunaga is the director. Lynch’s character is named Nomi.

The report says:  James Bond fans will know that the spy retired at the end of Spectre and as Bond 25 opens he will be living a life of luxury in Jamaica. However soon we will return to MI6 in London and the insider reveals that ‘there is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says “come in 007”, and in walks Lashana who is Black, beautiful and a woman. With Bond in retirement, it makes sense for the agency to pass on his codename to another agent, and we are here for it being a woman.

A source at The Daily Mail says, “It’s a popcorn-dropping moment. Bond is still Bond but he’s been replaced as 007 by this stunning woman.”

This should be an interesting twist for fans and non-fans alike, who have long campaigned for Idris Elba or another Black actor to take over the Bond mantle. However, with Lynch portraying a new character who is taking over 007 title, it can establish new canon for this character of her own, instead of a Black actor taking on a traditionally white role.

The film, due in theaters on April 8, 2020, also stars Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Rami Malek, Ana De Armas, Billy Magnussen, Dali Benssalah, Ralph Fiennes, Lea Seydoux, Rory Kinnear and Ben Whishaw.

 

READ MORE:

‘Bond 25’: Lashana Lynch To Star In Film, Naomie Harris And Jeffrey Wright Returning

 

Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures