Is James Bond’s number finally up? Black British actress will play new 007, say reports

The titular character in the 25th James Bond film will still be played by Daniel Craig, reportedly following the spy’s retirement to Jamaica

But that means his secret agent number will now belong to a new character, rumoured to be played by the 31-year-old Lashana Lynch

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Lashana Lynch. Photo: Instagram / lashanalynch

Published: 5:52pm, 15 Jul 2019Updated: 5:52pm, 15 Jul 2019

While Daniel Craig is set to reprise his role as James Bond in the next film, the franchise is set for a shake-up, with reports claiming that black British actor Lashana Lynch has been cast as 007 – taking over Bond’s secret agent number after his character leaves M16.

The Daily Mail has quoted an anonymous “movie insider”, who says that the 25th film opens with Bond (Craig), retired in Jamaica, being called back to action to fight a new villain.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2012's ‘Skyfall’. Photo: TNS

“There is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says, “Come in 007”, and in walks Lashana who is black, beautiful and a woman,” the source said. “It’s a popcorn-dropping moment. Bond is still Bond but he’s been replaced as 007.”

Originally from West London, Lynch, 31, made her film debut in 2011’s Fast Girls, but her breakthrough role came earlier this year, as fighter pilot Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel.

The news of her being given Bond’s famous code name has been widely praised on social media, coming weeks after US singer Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel in Disney’s live action remake of the Little Mermaid.