All round

Lashana Lynch faced ‘attacks’ and ‘abuse’ After Being Cast As 007 in James Bond’s No Time To Die

Via

411 HQ

Updated on July 5, 2023

See more articles on:

get top stories via email

Lashana Lynch has spoken out about the “abuse” and “attacks” she has experienced after being cast as the new 007 in the forthcoming No Time to Die.

Lynch was recently overwhelmed by the rage and hate directed at her in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK. She then erased all of her social media accounts, turned to meditation for consolation, and only spoke with her family. Lynch said she ultimately accepted that the venom directed at her was impersonal and moved on to more important matters.

“I am one Black woman — if it were another Black woman cast in the role, it would have been the same conversation, she would have got the same attacks, the same abuse,” Lynch added. “I just have to remind myself that the conversation is happening and that I’m a part of something that will be very, very revolutionary.”

Following James Bond’s retirement between Spectre and No Time To Die, Lashana Lynch’s Nomi appears to have taken over as the new 007 after achieving 00 agent rank at MI6. However, some members of the audience may be unaware of the distinction since they are so accustomed to the “James Bond 007” brand, which has made the man and the number synonymous. The 007 call number is another potential to alter the future of this successful franchise, just as Cary Joji Fukunaga’s entrance into the canon of the cinematic embodiment of James Bond is ready to breach some limits and shake things up with Bond himself.

As an actor, Lynch has tried a variety of methods to cope with the pressures and responsibilities of her profession.

“As I have come more into myself, I have found ways to remain respectful of others but still true to myself,” she said. “If something felt misrepresented or inaccurate — for example, the dynamic between a mother and her child, or the way we might wrap our hair to sleep at night … I had to learn to speak up. I’ve been cast to tell an authentic story, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

While Daniel Craig’s superspy remains in exile, the Harper’s Bazaar story appears to indicate that Nomi will assume the 007 title. Lynch also discusses her desire for Nomi to be a figure that Black people can relate to in the play.

“I didn’t want to waste an opportunity when it came to what Nomi might represent,” she explained.

“I searched for at least one moment in the script where Black audience members would nod their heads, tutting at the reality but glad to see their real life represented.”

“In every project I am part of, no matter the budget or genre,” Lynch concluded, “the Black experience that I’m presenting needs to be 100% authentic.”

Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Ralph Fiennes, Rory Kinnear, Christoph Waltz, Billy Magnussen, Jeffrey Wright, and Rami Malek will all star in the film. Lynch said that she worked with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the film’s co-writer, to create her character, which she wanted to be carefully sketched, realistic, and even a bit uncomfortable.

Bond is enticed back into the spy business by his old CIA buddy Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), who seeks for his assistance in rescuing a kidnapped scientist in his latest escapade (David Dencik, from Top of the Lake). This takes Bond to Cuba and the enigmatic and evil Safin, played by Rami Malek.

The “Captain Marvel” actor hopes that by portraying a woman in a character that has always been portrayed by men throughout the series, which began in 1962 with late acting icon Sean Connery’s “Dr. No,” she can combat stereotypes.

“I feel very grateful that I get to challenge those narratives,” Lynch added. “We’re moving away from toxic masculinity, and that’s happening because women are being open, demanding and vocal, and calling out misbehavior as soon as we see it.”