It looks like the torch might be passed in the next James Bond movie after all. A report from The Daily Mail, says that Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel) will be the one with that codename in the upcoming Bond movie. This news, as you can imagine, comes with some mixed reaction. Here’s why I think that, again, it’s without merit.
James Bond has historically been known at 007. That is the codename given to him by MI6. If he was no longer an agent, as the report suggests, it stands to reason that someone else would take up that codename. This isn’t sports where, when a player ends their career, the team retires his number. Not being 007 doesn’t make Bond any less Bond. The report also suggests that James Bond will try to seduce the new 007, which seems like status quo to me.
Here is something that fans have to realize. For 25 movies now, 007 has been James Bond. Think about just how incredible that is. There are few characters, if any, that could make a similar claim. (AVENGERS ENDGAME SPOILER COMING) Fans recently saw Steve Rogers give up the title of Captain America after far fewer movies. I could go on listing more examples, but the minds that need changing here will likely be unimpressed. The point is, this isn’t a reboot or a recast. This is simply a codename going from one character, who is no longer an active agent, to one that is. That doesn’t seem as much of a reach as some people think it is.
Now, this is just one report, and as of this article nothing has been confirmed. Whether this is true or not, this is a franchise that could use a fresh direction. While Daniel Craig has done a phenomenal job, these movies can really only go so much longer. Dredging up old villains and different spins on old stories just isn’t going to cut it forever. It’s time for a change, and this could be just the move to take 007 in a new and exciting direction.
(Photo Credit: MGM)