James Bond has always been a character defined by reinvention. Daniel Craig’s tenure, which spanned five films, modernized the spy, but with Craig now officially retired from the role of the iconic MI6 agent 007, the series has options beyond the legacy of Bond.
One of the most tantalizing “what if” scenarios could involve actress Ana de Armas, whose CIA operative, Paloma, in No Time to Die (2021), left many audiences wanting more.
A spinoff with Paloma as the lead could give Armas the spotlight in a self-contained story that respects Bond’s history while also remaining connected with the Craig era timeline.
Alternatively, a parallel timeline could imagine the Ballerina (2025) star stepping fully into 007’s shoes, redefining what it means to be James Bond.
However, the debate around a female James Bond, which started when No Time to Die introduced Lashana Lynch's Nomi, an MI6 agent who was temporarily assigned the 007 designation, has mostly leaned away from the idea.
Even Armas herself said in an interview around the time of the film's release, “There’s no need for a female Bond,” adding, “There shouldn’t be any need to steal someone else’s character.”
Craig is also against the idea. “There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour,” he said. “Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?”
Related: New James Bond Actor Says He’s “Honored” To Be Playing 007 in New Reboot
Unsurprisingly, the upcoming film reboot from Amazon MGM will feature a traditional male Bond, but spin-offs or alternate timelines allow for creative freedom down the line.
Armas’ charisma, skills, and audience appeal makes her a strong candidate for either approach, whether she returns as Paloma in the Daniel Craig timeline or is reimagined as 007 in a parallel story. Here's hoping she changes her position on a female James Bond.
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