Fans of Daniel Craig's 007 have been following developments on what is likely the actor's last James Bond film for an extended period of time thanks to numerous COVID-19 coronavirus delays. One such development that has garnered plenty of attention is the reveal that Craig's Bond has retired and Lashana Lynch's Nomi is the new 007 in No Time To Die.
Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, Lynch shared her thoughts on this bold new direction for the franchise and the online backlash she faced when an international trailer spoiled this surprising detail back in April.
"I am one Black woman – if it were another Black woman cast in the role, it would have been the same conversation, she would have got the same attacks, the same abuse," said Lynch about the online trolling. "I just have to remind myself that the conversation is happening and that I'm a part of something that will be very, very revolutionary."
Lynch went on to say add that she didn't want to simply have Nomi be a suave and stylish secret agent as that would be wasting the opportunity presented by having the first 007 played by a black woman. "A character that is too slick, a cast-iron figure? That's completely against what I stand for. I didn't want to waste an opportunity when it came to what Nomi might represent."
"I searched for at least one moment in the script where Black audience members would nod their heads, tutting at the reality but glad to see their real life represented. In every project I am part of, no matter the budget or genre, the Black experience that I'm presenting needs to be 100% authentic."
No Time To Die was originally slated for release on April 2020 before the rise of COVID-19 led to a new November 2020 release date. With the coronavirus showing no signs of slowing down, the film was again delayed to April 2, 2021. It was subsequently rumored that MGM was shopping the project to streaming services with a hefty price tag of $600 million.
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