Odds Favor a Female Replacing James Bond in Franchise’s 26th Installment

• Hollywood is on the lookout for the next James Bond
• Current Bond actor Daniel Craig wraps up his tenure as 007 in next film
• Speculation in Hollywood is that Bond will next be cast by a female

Fans have been flocking to movie theatres since 1962 to see Bond. James Bond.

The British action/secret agent character has been a household name for decades, portrayed — so far– by seven white men over the years.

While current Bond actor Daniel Craig is wrapping up his tenure as Agent 007, Hollywood is on the lookout for his replacement. Next year’s No Time to Die will be Craig’s final appearance as Bond, so the clock is ticking on what’s next. It’s heavily speculated that this could be Hollywood’s time to make a sharp left turn on its casting.

Will James Bond Be Female in the 26th Franchise Installment?

*Odds taken 09/11/19

James Bond — similar to Superman, Indiana Jones, and The Terminator — is one of the most beloved film characters of all time. For nearly 60 years, fans have loyally returned to theatres to see films with Bond as the title character.

A split vote will tell you that some fans are bored of seeing the same stock prototype filling Bond’s shoes, and others are searching for that familiarity to fill the role.

Previous James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has gone on record in support of a female version of Bond to hit the big screen, saying it’d be “exhilarating.”

Naturally, not everyone is in agreement with Brosnan as some Bond fans are purists looking for another British white guy to fill the role.

A More Diverse Hollywood

It’s undeniable that we live in a more diverse time than ever, and Hollywood has been making changes that lean into society’s more diverse climate.

We’ve seen all-female reboots of Ghostbusters and Ocean’s. The cast of Black Panther saw Marvel Studios’ first Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards.

Bond is such a beloved character, but Hollywood isn’t known for taking risks anymore. Most films that hit theatres (and perform well) are franchise releases, remakes, or reboots. But even if Bond is played by a woman, it’d still be a franchise film and has the potential to perform well.

It’s undeniable that we live in a more diverse time than ever, and Hollywood has been making changes that lean into society’s more diverse climate.

Ultimately, within pre-existing film franchises, Hollywood seems ready to bank on risks. A Bond film will be successful no matter who is cast in the role. By casting a female Bond, they can both leverage diversity, unique casting, and still laugh all the way to the bank.

Pick: Yes (-200)