Maryam d’Abo expresses concern over casting black or mixed-race actor as next James Bond in London amid Daniel Craig’s successor search

As the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement as James Bond continues, one former Bond girl is speaking her mind.

Maryam d’Abo, 65, who starred as cellist Kara Milovy opposite Timothy Dalton in 1987’s The Living Daylights, has expressed discomfort at the idea of a black or mixed-race actor taking on the iconic spy role.

“Then don’t call it Bond. Call it something else,” she said.

“You can have a wonderful black hero, but then don’t call him James Bond.”

D’Abo’s stance reflects her strong attachment to Ian Fleming’s original conception of Bond as an Englishman serving His Majesty’s Secret Service.

Leading Contenders Bring Fresh Talent and Backgrounds

Among the front-runners is 31-year-old Aaron Pierre, a London-born actor of Curacaoan, Jamaican, and Sierra Leonean descent.

Pierre has voiced Mufasa in Mufasa: The Lion King and starred in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge.

Meanwhile, Australian actor Jacob Elordi, known for his portrayal of Heathcliff in the latest Wuthering Heights adaptation, is another fan favorite.

D’Abo said she’d be happy to see Elordi take the role, despite him being Australian, showing that nationality isn’t the only consideration for her.

Producers Emphasize Evolution While Maintaining Core Identity

Barbara Broccoli, producer of the 007 franchise, signaled in 2024 that the next Bond “will be a man” likely in his 30s, adding that “whiteness is not a given.”

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Taylor Swift Shares Behind the Scenes Photos and Extended Music Video Clips from Her ’90s-Inspired Opalite Shoot in South London with Domhnall Gleeson and Graham Norton

Isabel Hodgins Celebrates the Birth of Her First Child with Husband Adam Whitehead in Manchester as Fans Share in the Joy of New Parenthood

UK Prime Minister Reaffirms Defence Commitment and Deepens Economic Partnership Talks with European Commission President in Munich

South Africa-Born Rugby Player Josh Neill Impresses Ireland Coaches and Fans With Outstanding Performances in U20 Six Nations Matches in Cork

Broccoli and her half-brother, Michael Wilson, recently sold creative control of the franchise to Amazon in a reported $1 billion deal, retaining co-ownership and ensuring streaming giant involvement in the films’ future.

David Heyman, producer behind the Harry Potter films, and Amy Pascal, known for Spider-Man, are also attached, while Denis Villeneuve will direct and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writes the screenplay.

Notably, Idris Elba was previously tipped for the role but is now considered too old at 53.

Celebrity Spotlight: Love, Fashion, and Personal Transformations

The entertainment world continues buzzing beyond Bond.

Roxy Horner is preparing for her wedding to comedian Jack Whitehall, naming model Sophie Longford among her bridesmaids.

Dua Lipa discusses the challenges of maintaining a long-distance engagement to actor Callum Turner while touring internationally.

Meanwhile, Romy Curran, daughter of Bridget Jones creator Helen Fielding, made her catwalk debut at the Marc Jacobs show in New York, impressing fashion insiders including Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway.

Comedian Katherine Ryan is contemplating removing her breast implants after a facelift, while Wayne Sleep received a posthumous £250,000 bequest from former lover George Lawson.

Princess Beatrice also launched a new advisory company, BY-EQ, emphasizing positive business impact.

On the art scene, sculptor Marc Quinn appeared with model Adot Gak at a London memoir launch, signaling a new romantic chapter.

What’s Next?

The casting decision for the next James Bond is expected to be revealed later in 2026, with speculation continuing about whether the franchise will embrace a more diverse representation while maintaining the iconic elements fans expect.

Fans, actors, and former Bond stars alike are watching closely to see who will step into the famous tuxedo next.

Meanwhile, Maryam d’Abo’s comments have sparked discussions on tradition versus modernization in one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.

Summary:
The search for Daniel Craig’s successor as James Bond continues, with speculation swirling around actors like Aaron Pierre and Jacob Elordi.

Former Bond girl Maryam d’Abo voiced opposition to casting a black or mixed-race actor as 007, emphasizing fidelity to Ian Fleming’s original vision.

Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, now partially controlled by Amazon, are developing the next film with Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing.

The broader entertainment world continues with celebrity weddings, fashion debuts, and personal transformations making headlines alongside the Bond buzz.