Andrew L. Urban
Just FYI … The 25-film franchise built on Ian Fleming’s spy character James Bond is being extended in Bond 26, according to rumour, with the next edition featuring a female version, Jane Bond, a cousin of the male spy (played by Daniel Craig) who was killed in the most recent (2015) film, No Time to Die.
Casting is almost complete, albeit held in secret, but Australia’s much acclaimed 2008 NIDA graduate Sarah Snook is mentioned ‘in dispatches’ after her multi-award winning (and commercially successful) roles in Succession (2018-2023) and latterly, All Her Fault (2025).
Leading producer on the project, Barbara Broccoli, was quoted by an unnamed source inside the production team saying it was a major reset for the character made possible by the death of Bond 007 … leading to a new agent licenced to kill, a female. Broccoli was also quoted saying it was a natural progression for Bond in the 21st century, when women are no longer restricted in roles they play on screen or in real life. It would justify the creation of agent 008 … symbolic of the progression.
Sarah Snook (image: Wikipedia)
Apparently, the production team spent weeks debating (arguing) the pros and cons of turning James into Jane, but Broccoli had the casting vote. Now 38, Adelaide-born Snook would be more credible in the role than a younger actress, Broccoli pointed out to her team, giving her character time to gain experience … and also making her age a positive in social contexts, and the film less male-heavy. And she would be credible.
Jane Bond’s character background is being workshopped to ensure it’s a credible fit with her male cousin. The family connection of the characters is deemed an important element to help bridge the jump from male to female. One possible aspect of the female (blonde?) Bond is a secretive past in British security, where she learnt much of the spycraft required for the character.
Supporting cast has still to be finalised, after who plays Bond has been confirmed.
There is also speculation that Snook’s Australian roots may influence the producers to take advantage of Australian location and production benefits with flow-on effects.
Bond’s famous self-introductory line “Bond…James Bond” could not be rescued if played by anyone with a discordant first name. That, in truth, may be one rationale to cast a female… and how well “Bond, Jane Bond” would resonate with the audience!