Dominic West: It’d be cool to have a transgender Bond
DOMINIC West thinks it would be “cool” to have a transgender James Bond.
The ‘ Colette' actor initially admitted he “doesn't see” the idea of a female in the role of the iconic spy, but then suggested Hannah Graf - the highest-ranked transgender soldier in the British army - would be ideal for the role.
Asked about the idea of a female Bond, he said: “Well ... I think some of these things are gender specific. So I don't see it myself.
“Maybe a transgender Bond would be cool. Yes, there's a very cool woman who's the wife of an actor (Jake Graf) in ‘ Colette', who is a captain in the electrical engineers, the highest- ranking transgender soldier in the army.
“She's done two tours of Afghanistan. She's a beautiful blonde girl who could be Bond, yes. That's actually a brilliant idea.
“They should have a transgender Bond because there are a lot of transgender people in the army.
“They'd be ideal because they
They should have a transgender Bond because there are a lot of transgender people in the army. They'd be ideal because they can do everything. That's a great idea! A transgender Bond. Dominic West, actor
can do everything. That's a great idea! A transgender Bond.”
The 49-year- old actor also admitted he'd jump at the chance to take over as 007 from Daniel Craig.
He told the Sunday Times magazine: “( I'd give it to) me. I think we need an older Bond.
“Of course I would (take it), but I don't think I will be (offered the role).”
A few years ago, Dominic was so convinced his ‘ The Wire' costar Idris Elba would land the coveted role, he tried to bet “as much as ( he) could” on his friend being cast, but was blocked by bookmakers.
He said: “I thought, this is easy money, Idris is definitely going to get it.
“I had no inside information, but I was convinced, so I thought I might as well cash in. I was going to put a lot of money on it. As much as I could.”
However, after sending his nephew to place the wager, he learned there'd been a cap placed on how much could be bet on the ‘Luther' star, and that the odds “were pretty rubbish”, so decided against it.