❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

James Bond star Naomie Harris says the next 007 could be male or female

Naomie Harris has appeared in the last three James Bond films.

Naomie Harris wearing a white dress and stood in front of a car and a 007 sign.

Tim P Whitby/Getty Images/EON Productions/MGM Studios/Universal Pictures

Published: Monday, 10 March 2025 at 9:00 pm

Subscribe to Radio Times – 5 weeks for £2

It's been the question on everyone's lips: who will be the next James Bond?

Ad

Four years on since Daniel Craig's final outing as 007 in No Time to Die, there has been plenty of speculation as to who could step into the iconic role, which has only heightened following the news that longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson would be stepping back from the Bond franchise and giving full creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.

From the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, Theo James, Callum Turner and plenty more, anyone could be the next 007 – and former Miss Moneypenny, Naomie Harris, has given her verdict on who could fit into the tux.

Speaking to Radio Times magazine while promoting her new spy film Black Bag alongside Marisa Abela, Harris said the next Bond will be "whoever inhabits the qualities" of the secret service agent.

"Sophistication, sexiness, mystery, sense of humour, charm – that should play the role, male or female," she said.

Daniel Craig as James Bond, pointing a gun in No Time To Die

Daniel Craig as James Bond in No Time to Die. MGM

Meanwhile, Abela added: "It would be so hard for any woman to take on that role, because there would be so much backlash. I’m not sure if audiences are ready for it yet…"

Harris isn't the only former James Bond star to give their verdict on who could be in the role next Bond.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Pierce Brosnan expressed that it was "right decision" for Broccoli and Wilson to step back and hand over creative control.

Read more:

He said: "I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael.

"It takes great courage for them to let go. I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect."

As for who should be the next 007, there is one non-negotiable for Brosnan, with the Irish actor telling the publication it was a "given" that whoever will be the next Bond should be British.

The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here.

1-SE-12-0-CoverNT

Black Bag is in cinemas on Friday 14th March.

Ad

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...