Lady 007 ?

Manpriya Singh 

The name is Bond…Jane Bond. Little did producer Barbara Broccoli know that she could trigger surprise, hope and imagination all with one statement? What? Bond could be a black actor or a woman? The 25th spy film in the series (Spectre was 24th) could break away from tradition and how. 

What’s the big deal? 

The latest has it that makers of James Bond movies are open to having a black actor or a woman play the famous fictional spy. Producer Barbara Broccoli says she wouldn’t hesitate breaking from the tradition that has seen Bond being played by white, middle-aged men. “These films tend to reflect the times, so we always try to push the envelope a little bit. Anything is possible. Right now it’s Daniel Craig, and I’m very happy with Daniel Craig, but who knows what the future will bring,” Broccoli said. 

Wonder Woman era 

Pre-Wonder Woman era, we’d have laughed it off, but post Gal Gadot, there’s a pause before the imagination takes off. If the famous fictional British spy (who’s way too cool with all the gadgets, gals and suits) were to be a woman, we wonder what would happen to 007 fanatics and of course, the iconic James Bond clichés.

New opening sequence 

A car chase in Rome, an opening sequence in Mexico City; spectacular roads, impossible turns, clueless crowds and nondescript locations…welcome to the world of spies, surveillance and high life. Where at stake are countries and humanity. Let’s move on. So Bond has always (with a few variations) performed high-octane stunts, battled for life, can hang atop a plane to stop some system files from being corrupted; done all this and more. Even though he has the perfect tan, has the best suits, is surrounded by the most- good-looking women and spends half his time drinking martinis (mind you, shaken not stirred).  

Only now replace all that with manicured hands, and while her hair spray is not settled yet, she can dismantle a computer and after retrieving the code words and files. Hello multi-tasking, we are old friends anyway! 

Enter the toy boys 

The ‘honorary term’ Bond girl would be replaced by ‘Bond boy’. It’s high time we objectified men, celebrated cougar crushes and talked of trophy husbands. So bye—bye the likes of Halle Berry, Teri Hatcher, Olga Kurylenko…put in all the young male models, the chocolaty cutsies, the proverbial Greek Gods…and they shall all be rescued by our super woman! The name is Bond…Jane Bond.  

Q and Moneypenny 

While we are at it…the constitutional changes that is, it only makes sense if the gender of all the supporting cast is changed too. Who hasn’t loved the chemistry between Bond and his personal secretary Miss Moneypenny? In both Bond novels and films, Moneypenny is smitten with Bond. Now a lady with a lady personal secretary…is kinda not so cool?  

And the latest… 

Craig is nearing the end of his tenure in the 007 role. Ever since the 49-year-old British actor said he ruled out returning to the franchise following the last Bond film Spectre, before he agreed to reprise the role once again in ‘Bond 25’, speculation over his successor has been rife. Meanwhile, the Happy Valley actor James Norton might be considered as the top contender for the iconic character, but he says he is not in the race. “It’s really humbling and flattering, but to have my name next to the likes of Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender is just mad. If you’re thinking of putting a bet on me, keep your money in your pocket,” he added. 

Kangana can be Bond

Nimrat Kaur Narang, Chandigarh-based fashion consultant and an executive with a television channel, brings out her wits and a few of the Bond statements. “There’s a saying in London, where there’s woman, there’s gossip…I never like men, I hate them. I always blink before I ditch them. Bond…Female Bond.” On a slightly serious note, she laughs, “It has to be Wonder Woman playing the woman Bond just right. If not Gal Gadot, then Kangana from Bollywood could pull off that kind of role.” 

PeeCee can fit in

Sehajpreet Kaur has a long list of objections with the franchise. “As attractive as he always is, James Bond is also the sexiest creep. When it comes to women, imperialism and society are all readily apparent in Ian Fleming’s novels. I personally think if the actor playing Bond is not excited about the franchise, I’m unsure why a non-white actor or a woman would want to take up that kind of role. But anyway, if I had to choose, I think Priyanka Chopra could play that role to perfection.” 

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