The Next Bond Should Be a Man — and a Gorgeous One, Says a Former Bond Girl

The Search for a New 007: A Personal Take

When I first heard that the search for the next James Bond was underway, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nostalgia. As someone who had the privilege of working on two Bond films — For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy, both starring Roger Moore — I have a very personal stake in this ongoing saga.

I've spent years watching and thinking about the character that is James Bond, so when a new actor steps into the role, it feels like stepping into someone else's shoes. And let me tell you, the man who takes over that mantle should be more than just another action star. He needs to carry the legacy — and yes, the charm — of the original.

"I hope it's a man," Papworth said. "A man, just a man. Yes, I think it would be very strange if it were a woman. Don't you? It would be a totally different thing."

I have to agree with her — and not just because of the gender question. The idea that the next Bond could be played by a woman is a fascinating thought, but in the world of Ian Fleming's books and EON Productions' films, Bond has always been a man. The mythology around him is so deeply entrenched in masculinity, sophistication, and an almost mythic sense of male heroism.

What Makes a Bond Girl — and a Bond Man?

I spent a lot of my early career being called a Bond girl, which I was both proud and humbled by. The term itself is one of those cultural artifacts that has evolved over time. It's not just about the role; it's about the experience of being part of something bigger — an iconic franchise that has defined pop culture for more than six decades.

But I also know what makes a Bond man different from other action heroes: he's a connoisseur of life, someone who is effortlessly charming, and whose very presence commands attention. It's not about physical prowess alone; it's about intellect, wit, and an almost supernatural confidence that comes with knowing he has everything under control — even when he doesn't.

What I Learned from Roger Moore

Roger Moore was the last Bond I worked with in the 1980s. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and he made everyone around him feel special — including his co-stars. I remember one particular scene where we were filming in India during the cold winter months. It was supposed to be an outdoor sequence, but instead, it was shot at Pinewood Studios with temperatures well below freezing.

We had to wear these red bodysuits and capes while performing stunt work — and let me tell you, no one looked more beautiful than us in those conditions. The cold didn't stop our spirits. In fact, we were all so focused on doing our jobs that we forgot about the weather.

Moore was always there with a joke or a story to keep everyone laughing, even when the production was grueling. He made us feel like we were part of something legendary — and in many ways, we were. His kindness and humor didn't diminish his gravitas as a screen icon; they enhanced it.

My Bond Years: From Stunt Work to Storytelling

I've often been asked whether my time on the Bond films changed me, and honestly? It did — in more ways than one. When I was younger, I thought that being a Bond girl meant having a glamorous life — flying first class to exotic locations, sipping cocktails while watching sunsets in Rio, and meeting celebrities who were legends themselves.

But reality often looked different. In the studio, we had to learn how to fight like professionals. The stunt work was intense, especially for women who weren't trained in martial arts. I remember being terrified of getting injured — not just physically, but emotionally too. The pressure was immense, especially when you knew that every frame could be seen by millions of fans around the world.

Still, the experience taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. And once I stepped off the set, I realized how lucky I was to have been part of such a storied franchise — one that shaped not only my career but also my worldview. The friendships I forged were lifelong, and I've maintained connections with some of the people I worked with during those films.

On the Verge of a New Era

Now, with the search for a new Bond ongoing — and rumors swirling about Jack Lowden as a potential candidate — it feels like a fitting moment to revisit what makes the character special. The next actor needs to embody more than just charm; he has to bring depth, complexity, and the kind of authority that only comes from years of experience.

I'm not suggesting that this new Bond must be a carbon copy of the last one — that would be boring. But he should be someone who understands the rules, respects them, and breaks them when necessary. The key is to make the audience believe in him — not just as a hero, but as a man.

What I Hope for Next

Looking back at the history of the franchise, I think it's important that we don't lose sight of its roots. James Bond isn't just an action hero; he's a symbol of British culture, sophistication, and wit. He represents an era when style mattered as much as substance — a world where men were expected to be strong but not brute, elegant but not effeminate.

And I think that's what we're missing in the current landscape: a man who can embody those qualities while still being relevant in today's world. That's why I hope the next Bond is not just another face in the crowd — but a man who carries the legacy with grace and authenticity.

The Future of the Franchise

As Amazon MGM Studios takes creative control of the franchise, there's a lot at stake for both fans and creators. We're entering a new era where the next Bond could redefine what it means to be an action hero in the 21st century — without losing sight of the original character's core values.

Whether it's Jack Lowden or someone else entirely, one thing is clear: the world needs a Bond who reflects our current times, yet honors its past. And if we're lucky, that person will be another gorgeous man — just like the books say.