LASHANA LYNCH
32, actor
You might recognise Lynch as single mother-cum-fighter pilot Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel, but when news leaked that the Londoner had been cast as the first Black female ‘OO’ agent in the James Bond
franchise, her star status was cemented.
My first role was as Pinocchio aged six.
It was my school play – my parents say they’ve known what I was going to do as a career since. They’ve been so supportive.
I was clear about wanting to do Marvel films.
I said it out loud to friends and family and made it my goal. It was a good few years of sending audition tapes before my role in Captain Marvel. If there’s any way to know if manifestations are real, it’s times like that.
Every decision I make for my career is a decision for my community.
As a Black woman, a Londoner and an immigrant, I’m never going to be comfortable choosing a role that is going to make my culture question anything.
Any past ‘Bond girl’ depictions haven’t applied to me.
I knew if I signed on to Bond, the team would have to understand who they were taking on and what I’d want to bring to the role. Phoebe Waller-Bridge and I spoke early on about my character. I said she should be a real human being with strength, opinions and personality but everyday struggles, too. We were on exactly the same page.
I would never say I’m a game changer. But I do think the steps I’ve made have definitely made a mark in history. I look forward to my children and grandchildren reaping the benefits from this moment.