'007' Franchise Has Found Its Female James Bond

The James Bond franchise has been a cornerstone of action cinema for more than six decades. Since Sean Connery first introduced the suave British spy in Dr. No (1962), the series has reinvented itself repeatedly, from Roger Moore’s light-hearted charm to Daniel Craig’s grittier, more grounded portrayal.

With 25 official films and numerous reinventions behind it, the franchise continues to navigate the challenge of keeping Bond relevant for modern audiences while honoring its long history.

Even the Actors Don’t Want a Female James Bond

One of the most debated topics in recent years has been the idea of a female James Bond. The concept has drawn both interest and criticism, with Daniel Craig himself telling Radio Times, “There should simply be better parts for women and actors of color,” adding, “Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?”

His No Time to Die (2021) co-star Ana de Armas echoed that sentiment in an interview with The Sun, saying, “There shouldn’t be any need to steal someone else’s character, you know, to take over.”

Related: ‘007’ Reboot Series Spotlights “Female James Bond” — Here’s What We Know

James Bond Has Already Experimented With Female Agents

Despite that, the films have already begun experimenting with gender and the 007 mantle.

In No Time to Die, Craig’s final outing as the MI6 agent, Lashana Lynch played Nomi, a MI6 agent who inherited the 007 designation after Bond retired. Her introduction sparked debate, especially in response to the film’s trailer, with some fans resistant to the idea of someone other than Bond holding the number.

While the backlash was largely confined to early reactions, it opened the door to imagining how a future James Bond story could feature a female lead, not merely in the numerical sense, but as the titular character.

The franchise is now preparing for another reboot under Amazon MGM, with Denis Villeneuve, the director of Dune (2021), attached. The project is confirmed to feature a male James Bond, but the door could now be open for spinoffs that explore alternative scenarios.

No Time to Die Has Another Female Bond Equivalent

One compelling possibility lies not in Nomi, but in Ana de Armas’ character Paloma from No Time to Die. A CIA operative introduced in the film, Paloma delivers one of the most memorable action sequences of Craig’s final Bond outing, demonstrating both skill and charisma. Armas’ subsequent work as the star in the John Wick spinoff Ballerina (2025) further cements her as a performer capable of leading high-stakes, action-heavy films.

Whether stepping into Paloma’s shoes or imagining a full-fledged female 007, Ana de Armas represents a proven choice if the franchise ever decides to “shake and stir” up its formula.

Her combination of screen presence, physicality, and audience appeal makes her a logical candidate to lead the next evolution of the Bond saga. Alternatively, the next film could follow the Daniel Craig-era timeline, following Bond’s daughter, Mathilde Swann, as she continues her father’s legacy by becoming his successor. Either way, it could only be a matter of time before the franchise finally introduces 007’s true female equivalent.

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