Die Another Day: Daniel Craig Wants James Bond Still To Be Played By Man

Rumor has it that Lashana Lynch could be the next 007. In other words, the next James Bond.

But former Bond actor Daniel Craig thinks the name "James Bond" should be played by a man. Sort of like Batman. Or Superman. Or Spiderman.

Granted, James Bond isn't a comic book superhero. But he is a miracle worker of sorts when it comes to fighting crime. And he has always been played by a man.

Craig, 53, thinks it should stay that way.

“Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?” Craig told Radio Times.

Craig was being diplomatic, sensible when he added that "there should simply be better parts for women and actors of color."

Nonetheless, there is talk that Lynch could take over the Bond role.

"In 'No Time To Die,' the west London actress, 33, will play an M16 agent named Nomi, according to the Guardian, with rumors speculating that she will inherit the 007 title from Bond in the film, making her the first woman to play the well-known agent character," the New York Post reported.

Lynch is no doubt a talented, rising actor.

Franchise producer Barbara Broccoli seemed to agree with Craig.

“James Bond can be of any color," Broccoli told Variety, "but he is male.”

Like Craig, Broccoli is also strongly in favor of women playing roles similar to Bond, but made for women.

“I believe we should be creating new characters for women – strong female characters,” she said. “I’m not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it. I think women are far more interesting than that.”

Written by
Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.