Bond 25is slated to hit theaters on Valentine’s Day 2020 and we still don’t know much about the film beyond the fact thatCary Fukunagais directing and Daniel Craig is returning as 007. But what would a modern Bond movie be without M, Q and Moneypenny? To that end, Fukunaga has revealed thatSpectrestarsRalph Fiennes,Ben WhishawandNaomie Harriswill return for Craig’s last go-round in the tuxedo, but perhaps most importantly, so willLéa Seydoux.
Yes, breaking franchise tradition, Seydoux will reprise her role asDr. Madeleine Swann, who ultimately falls for Bond. The franchise doesn’t typically welcome back so-called ‘Bond girls,’ but 007’s recent adventures have been part of a cohesive storyline, so it makes sense that there would be some kind of romantic continuity along the way.
Of the returning cast members, I have a particular affinity for Harris' turn as Moneypenny, as theMoonlightstar does wonders with that role. Meanwhile, Seydoux is an underrated actress and her return is encouraging, as I’m hoping that Craig’s Bond will have a happy ending, which typically means finding love. Of course, that may be too much to ask for the superspy, who lives life on the edge and is alwaysthiscloseto catching a bullet.
Neal PurvisandRobert Wadewrote the script, though Fukunaga has no doubt put his stamp on the project by now. The release date was pushed afterDanny Boyle’s exit, and recent Bond movies have opened in November rather than February, though that month proved fruitful forBlack Panther. I expectBond 25to blow up the box office regardless of when it hits theaters, so long as it’s not up against Marvel or Star Wars.
As with much Bond chatter, the news hails fromthe Daily Mail, whoseBaz Bamigboyespoke to Fukanaga about why he’s bring everyone back for Craig’s sendoff. “You have some of the best actors in the world here. Why wouldn’t I have the best coming back?!” As with most filmmakers I know, Fukunaga likes to make his own casting choices, but when you’re stepping into a franchise, you don’t always get that luxury – though in this case, Fukunaga inherits a top-notch cast and will certainly add a few new names of his own. Will it be one of his past collaborators from the distinctly American TV showsTrue DetectiveorManiac, or perhaps (gasp!) hisBeasts of No NationstarIdris Elba? Probably not… but I could seeJane EyrestarsJamie BellorSally Hawkinsas a strong fit for this franchise in various capacities, and it’d be great if Fukunaga could find a role for youngBeastsstarAbraham Attah, but that may be wishful thinking.
Seydoux has been in the news of late, as she recently signed on to joinWes Anderson’s new filmThe French Dispatch. Fiennes will star inMatthew Vaughn’sKingsmanprequel. Harris lends her voice toAndy Serkis’Mowgli, which hit today, while Whishaw next stars inMary Poppins Returns.
