There is little doubt that James Bond is an icon of masculinity and heterosexuality. After all, the MI6 agent is often portrayed by actors who share the same reputation. But is it possible that the next 007 might be played by someone who isn't straight? No Time To Die star Ben Whishaw says that producers should cast an openly gay actor to play the new James Bond.
It's no secret that No Time To Die is Daniel Craig's last film as the British spy and that means that the role will soon be up for grabs. It also means that the fan castings are already well underway and everyone has their own personal favorite on who should play the new 007.
Whishaw also has his own idea about the Bond casting and it just happens to be an interesting one. The Skyfall star was asked by Attitude about the possibility of a gay actor to play 007 and he loved it.
"God, can you imagine? I mean, it would be quite an extraordinary thing. Of course, I would like to see that," Whishaw, who came out as gay in 2014, said. He then pointed out that an actor's sexuality shouldn't affect the roles he gets to play.
"I really believe that we should be working towards a world where anyone can play anything and it would be really thrilling if it didn't matter about someone's sexuality to take on a role like this. I think that would be real progress," Whishaw said.
That does make sense but Whishaw was also quick to point out that we might not see Bond being played an openly gay actor right away.
"We'll see, we'll see where we're at. I'm amazed by how much has changed just in the last five or six years, so we'll see," Whishaw said.
The wait for the next 007 might also take some time. It was previously reported that Bond producer Barbara Broccoli isn't jumping at the chance to replace Craig immediately and that they will probably start the search next year.
No Time To Die is scheduled for release on October 8, 2021.
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