James Bond: Daniel Craig replacement ‘should be a man – NOT a woman’ claims Eva Green 

In the last half-century of James Bond movies, all six official actors have been white men. However, with Daniel Craig about to shoot his final 007 movie, there is some support for a non-white actor or even a woman to play Ian Fleming’s spy next. Now Casino Royale star Eva Green has spoken out and supported Bond remaining male. Speaking at the Dumbo premiere, the actress who played Vesper said: “I’m for women, but I really think James Bond should remain a man. It doesn’t make sense for him to be a woman.”

Speaking with Vanity Fair, Green argued: “Women can play different types of characters, be in action movies and be superheroes, but James Bond should always be a man and not be Jane Bond.

“There is history with the character that should continue. He should be played by a man.”

On the Bond franchise’s leading ladies, she added: “I love the fact that the Bond girls have evolved,

“I originally had reservations about being a Bond girl. I didn’t want to be a bimbo. The women are now perceived differently.”

Green continued: “They are intelligent and sassy and fascinating. I loved playing Vesper. She’s the only one to get to Bond’s heart and has a big impact on his life.”

The former Bond girl was backed in her assertion that 007 should remain male by Die Another Day’s Rosamund Pike, M star Judi Dench and Craig’s wife Rachel Weisz.

The latter said last year: “[Fleming] devoted an awful lot of time to writing this particular character, who is particularly male and relates in a particular way to women.

“Why not create your own story rather than jumping on to the shoulders and being compared to all those other male predecessors?”

She added: “Women are really fascinating and interesting and should get their own stories.”

Dame Judi said: “I think it should be a man. But who knows.”

Craig is set to start shooting Bond 25 at the beginning of April when a title and cast is expected to be announced.

Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas on April 3, 2020.