Naomie: We’re razor- sharp so don’t call us Bond girls!
NAOMIE Harris says “formidable” women characters are now driving forces behind plotlines for 007 movies and should no longer be labelled “Bond girls”.
The 44 year old, who plays Moneypenny, pointed to her role and that of fellow Bond star Lea Seydoux, 35, saying: “You can’t call us girls. We are truly women.”
Saying she would never take a role that would “denigrate” her, Naomie feels times – and characters – have moved on from previous Bond films.
She said: “I look back at the older Bond movies and the term ‘ girl’ is probably appropriate because they aren’t fully fleshed- out, rounded characters.
“But, particularly in No Time To Die, they are formidable women who are truly driving the plot forward.”
Proud
Naomie will be seen in No Time To Die, the 25th movie of the Bond franchise, in which she has starred alongside Daniel Craig since 2012.
Moneypenny was first introduced to the more recent Bond films as a field agent who later retires to become secretary to head of MI6 Mallory – M – who is played by Ralph Fiennes.
Moneypenny has not been seen historically as a Bond girl because she has a professional relationship with James Bond.
Naomie added: “I will always do roles that I am proud of and that do not denigrate me as a woman or as a black woman.”
No Time To Die, the delayed 25th Bond franchise film, is expected to be 52- year- old Daniel’s fifth and final outing as 007.
Naomie’s comments came after Daniel defended the producers’ decision to delay the premiere of No Time To Die until April next year because of coronavirus.
The release delay was followed by the news that Cineworld will temporarily close its theatres in the UK and Ireland, along with its 536 Regal cinemas in the US.
Odeon has also announced that around a quarter of its 120 venues will open only at weekends.
Daniel said of the Covid crisis: “This thing is just bigger than all of us. We want to release the movie at the same time all around the world and this isn’t the right time.
“So fingers crossed, April 2 is going to be our date.” In a statement, MGM Studios, Universal Pictures and producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said the film release was set for April 2 “in order to be seen by a worldwide theatrical audience”.
Their statement added: “We understand the delay will be disappointing to our fans but we now look forward to sharing No Time To Die next year.”