James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has left the door open for a black or female actor to take on the iconic role of 007, saying “anything is possible” for the future of the character.
Broccoli was asked by the Daily Mail whether the idea of casting a black actor or a woman was on the cards when the time comes to line up a replacement for Daniel Craig.
She said: “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?”
SEE ALSO: James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli considering female director for Bond 25
James Norton, star of War and Peace and Happy Valley on TV, has been revealed as the new bookies’ favourite to replace Craig, who has portrayed Ian Fleming’s superspy in four films and has signed on to appear in at least one more.
A wide array of other performers, including Sam Riley, Luke Evans and Tom Hiddleston, have been linked to the Bond role.
Among the black actors rumoured to be in line to step into the tuxedo is Idris Elba, who has been consistently talked about as a potential replacement for Craig.
He said in 2015 that Bond “could be any colour” in response to comments made by author Anthony Horowitz, who said Elba was “too street” for the part and suggested Hustle actor Adrian Lester.
SEE ALSO: Luke Evans hesitant to play James Bond after Daniel Craig
Originally published December 30, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
