James Bond boss says next 007 after Daniel Craig ‘could be a woman’
JAMES Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is open to having a black or woman 007 as Daniel Craig nears the end of his tenure in the role.
McMafia star James Norton has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Craig when he eventually gives up the role, but Barbara has revealed she wouldn't hesitate breaking from the tradition that has seen Bond played by white middle-aged men.
She told the : "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?"
Ever since Craig ruled out returning to the franchise following the latest film Spectre (even though he has U-turned to film one more effort), speculation over his successor has been rife.
Idris Elba has been heavily linked with the role, but the constant debate over the colour of the spy's skin has taken its toll on the Luther star.
He told the : "It feels like I’m campaigning, and I’m not," he said. "At first it was harmless – oh, I know, wouldn’t it be great? – and now it’s started off racial debates.
"I’m probably the most famous Bond actor in the world, and I’ve not even played the role."
"Enough is enough. I can’t talk about it any more."
One advocate of a female Bond is Prime Minister Theresa May.
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Her comments came as she flew to Cyprus earlier this month where she met British troops and praised them for defeating ISIS on the battlefield.
Chatting to reporters on the plane, Mrs May hailed Doctor Who for choosing Jodie Whittaker as its first female star.
";And one day there should be a female James Bond."
But the PM also hinted she might like to see Happy Valley star James Norton take the role as she said he "was being talked about as a possible James Bond".
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