Once Daniel Craig is done, the next James Bond could be a woman or person of color. Daniel Craig is returning to play James Bond one final time in the as yet untitled Bond 25, which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2019. With his days as the international spy numbered, many are now looking ahead to potential replacements for Craig in the role of Agent 007. Among other things, many people have been calling for the next Bond to be someone other than a white man.


People such as Idris Elba and Charlize Theron have been touted by fans as possibilities to take over the mantle of 007 after Craig. For the most part though, those officially involved with the James Bond franchise have given little to no indication yet as to where the series could go once Craig is done. However, one key player behind the scenes on the property has now suggested that pretty much any and every option is on the table for consideration.


Producer Barbara Broccoli spoke to Daily Mail about the future of the James Bond franchise, and she was specifically asked about diversifying the lead role after Craig is done. She didn’t go as far as to say that the next 007 will definitively be non-white and/or a woman, but she is very much open to it, saying “anything is possible.“


Broccoli also emphasized that while the James Bond franchise is always evolving to keep up with the times, she’s perfectly happy to keeping making films with Craig for the time being:

“These films tend to reflect the times so we always try to push the envelope a little bit. Anything is possible. Right now it’s Daniel Craig, and I’m very happy with Daniel Craig, but who knows what the future will bring?”

There have been several suggestions for who should take over as James Bond after Craig, but no one has been fan-cast more than Elba. Despite the persistent efforts by fans, Elba says he’s never been contacted about the role, and doubts he will ever play the part. Theron, who has been more frequently fan-cast as the new Bond since her turn in the spy thriller Atomic Blonde, has said that she would even prefer the role go to someone like Elba, rather than herself.


If the producers do decide to branch out and not cast a more expected choice like Tom Hiddleston or Michael Fassbender, they would have plenty of options. Someone like John Boyega could fill the role nicely thanks to his Bond-like charm, while also diversifying the franchise. Maybe even someone like Natalie Dormer, Emilia Clarke, or Hayley Atwell could step in as the first female Bond. Any of these choices, and several others, would have the star power to sell a film, ability to carry one, and longevity to continue playing the part for years. Hopefully, when it does come time to recast the role, the Broccolis will deliver.