Who's the Female James Bond? All Five Candidates Explained

With Daniel Craig retired and the next official James Bond film currently in development at Amazon MGM, the conversation among fans around whether the character could one day be depicted as female continues.

While the reboot is confirmed to feature the standard male James Bond, the series has already flirted with the idea of female spies stepping into major roles. Now, here’s a look at six possibilities for women who could lead a future Bond story, whether as a separate character, or as a female James Bond.

1. Nomi

Nomi in 'No Time to Die' — Credit: MGM/EON Productions

Introduced in No Time to Die (2021), Lashana Lynch’s Nomi inherited the 007 designation after James Bond (Daniel Craig) retired between films. The character’s debut sparked discussion, particularly around the initial trailer, about the possibility of a female Bond. But with Craig’s Bond now dead, the 007 designation could easily revert back to Nomi.

2. Paloma (Ana de Armas)

Ana de Armas in 'No Time to Die' — Credit: MGM/EON Productions

Also from No Time to Die, Paloma (Ana de Armas) is a CIA operative whose standout action sequence demonstrates her skill and charisma. Armas’ most recent performance in this year’s Ballerina: From the World of John Wick further shows her capability in action-heavy roles. A spinoff centered on Paloma could explore new corners of the spy world without altering the main Bond continuity.

Related: ‘James Bond’ Reboot Casts ‘Hunger Games’ Actor, First Official Trailer Revealed

3. Female Bond in a Separate Reboot

Credit: Inside the Magic

Casting a new actress as James Bond in a standalone reboot offers creative freedom to reimagine the franchise from scratch. This approach would allow filmmakers to alter the character while exploring diverse interpretations of 007. It would be a very divisive among fans, which is why a reboot separate from the main film series would be a good idea.

4. Johanna Harwood, AKA 003

A brown folder labeled "CONFIDENTIAL" and "SECRET INTELLIGENCE SERVICE" lies on a desk, secured with a black elastic band; a label reads "Bond, James Bond. Taken from the "007 First Light" trailer — Credit: IO Interactive under license from Amazon MGM Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon Productions

A character from Kim Sherwood’s recent James Bond novels, Johanna Harwood, AKA 003, has not officially appeared on screen yet. A film featuring her as a lead agent, however, could introduce literary canon to cinema, giving fans a new perspective without affecting established storylines.

5. Mathilde Swann

Split image: Mathilde Swann left and Daniel Craig as James Bond right — Credit: Inside the Magic

Mathilde Swann, the daughter of James Bond and Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), was introduced in No Time to Die. A future film could imagine her as an adult continuing her father’s legacy, expanding the franchise while remaining connected to the Daniel Craig era.

The James Bond series has long balanced tradition with reinvention. Whether through spinoffs, reboots, or alternate timelines, female leads like Nomi, Paloma, or legacy characters offer opportunities to explore the 007 world from entirely new angles. An actual female Bond might not be the popular choice, but it would certainly “shake and stir” things up.

How do you feel about the idea of a female James Bond? Share your thoughts below!