Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Helen Mirren Declares: 'A Woman as James Bond Just Wouldn't Work!'

Dame Helen Mirren has declared that James Bond cannot be played by a woman as she insisted the famous spy is 'a bloke' (pictured this week)

SCANDAL ROCKS JAMES BOND FRANCHISE: Dame Helen Mirren and Halle Berry Weigh in on Lady Bond Debacle

In a shocking turn of events, the James Bond franchise has been plunged into controversy as some of Hollywood's biggest stars weigh in on the possibility of a female 007. At the forefront of the debate is none other than acting legend Dame Helen Mirren, who has sparked outrage by declaring that James Bond simply cannot be played by a woman.

The 80-year-old icon, known for her commanding presence on screen and off, made the bombshell comments to The Scholarly Note. "No, it wouldn't work," she firmly stated when asked if it was time for a female Bond. "There's room for a great movie about a great female agent, but James Bond is a bloke. There's no getting around that."

Following Daniel Craig 's final appearance as 007 in 2021's No Time to Die (pictured), producers have been looking for the next star to take up the mantle.

Mirren's stance has left many in the industry reeling, with some questioning whether her views are rooted in sexism or simply a matter of tradition. After all, Mirren herself played the role of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film "The Queen," and went on to win an Academy Award for her performance.

But Mirren is not alone in her opinions. Halle Berry, who famously played Bond girl Jinx in 2002's Die Another Day, has also weighed in on the debate. In a shocking reversal of her previous stance, Berry now believes that the iconic spy should only be played by a man.

"That series is steeped in history... you know, Ian Fleming's stories," she explained to The Scholarly Note. "I don't think you can change Bond to a woman." But what about her own interest in playing Lady Bond? At this year's Cannes Film Festival jury press conference, Berry was asked if she would be interested in taking on the role, and she replied: "I don't know if 007 should be a woman."

And while actors such as Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Theo James and Henry Cavill have emerged as the favourites to play the spy... (Jodie Comer pictured)

Berry's comments have sparked outrage among fans of the franchise, who are eager to see a female take on the iconic role. And they're not alone – Jodie Comer and Emilia Clarke have both been mentioned as contenders for the part in recent months.

But not everyone is on board with the idea of Lady Bond. Dame Helen Mirren's comments were echoed by fellow former Bond girl Gemma Arterton, who told The Times last year: "Isn't a female James Bond like Mary Poppins being played by a man? They talk about it, but I think people would find it too outrageous. Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition."

And then there's Barbara Broccoli, producer of the Bond franchise and daughter of legendary producer Albert R. Broccoli. She has long been opposed to the idea of Lady Bond, declaring in 2018: "Bond is male. He's a male character. He was written as a male and I think he'll probably stay as a male. And that's fine."

Helen joins multiple names who have spoken against the possibility of a lady Bond, including the franchise's producer Barbara Broccoli and previously Bonds, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan (pictured in Die Another Day)

Broccoli's comments have sparked controversy among fans of the franchise, who are eager to see more diversity and representation on screen. But for now, it seems that Lady Bond is off the table – at least according to these Hollywood heavyweights.

But don't count out Jodie Comer just yet! The Killing Eve star has been floated as a potential contender for the role, and sources close to the production say she's still in the running. "She'd be amazing," says one insider. "She's got the action hero credentials and the acting chops to pull it off."

And then there's Daniel Craig, who played Bond in 2021's No Time to Die. In a recent interview with Radio Times, he expressed his reservations about Lady Bond, saying: "There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour. Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?"

Daniel previously insisted that the iconic spy shouldn't be played by a female actress because they deserve their own roles that haven't been written for men (seen in Skyfall)

Craig's comments have sparked debate among fans of the franchise, who are eager to see more representation on screen. But will his views hold sway with producers at Amazon MGM Studios, which took ownership of the franchise in a £770 million deal earlier this year?

One thing is certain – the debate over Lady Bond is far from over. With so many heavy hitters weighing in on the issue, it's clear that this is one controversy that won't be dying down anytime soon.

The Verdict:

Halle Berry, who famously played beloved Bond girl Jinx in 2002's Die Another Day (pictured) has also opined that the British spy should only be played by a man

So what do you think? Can a woman play James Bond, or is it simply not possible? Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #LadyBond. And stay tuned for more updates on this scandalous saga as it unfolds!

Fellow former Bond girl Gemma Arterton also weighed in on the notion of a female 007, declaring she felt it might not align with the franchise's tradition (seen in Quantum of Solace)