James Bond 25 to introduce FEMALE 007 in 'popcorn-dropping' scene? 'He's been replaced'

Reports claim that an early scene from the film will show M (Ralph Fiennes) summoning Bond to his office to drop the bombshell.

He will be told that the character played by Lashana Lynch – who recently became a huge fan favourite in Captain Marvel – is replacing him in the secret service.

A source told the Mail: “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.

“It’s a popcorn-dropping moment. Bond is still Bond but he’s been replaced as 007 by this stunning woman.”

The paper’s source adds that Bond will then be brought out of retirement in Jamaica when he’s needed to thwart a “global crisis”, presumably involving Rami Malek’s villain.

Filming is continuing apace for the new film, which had suffered numerous issues and setbacks.

Daniel Craig sustained an ankle injury that disrupted schedules, while an explosion at the 007 Stage in Pinewood Studios allegedly injured a crew member.

What’s more, it was claimed that Grace Jones walked off-set after learning that her planned role was smaller than she had expected.

The script was also being worked-on right up until the last minute, with Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge drafted in at the eleventh hour to help touch it up.

Nevertheless, it remains on course for a release date next April.

Last week it was claimed that Christoph Waltz will be making a brief appearance as Blofeld, the villain he played in 2015’s Spectre.

Although he won’t be the central antagonist of the movie – that will be Malek – he will, allegedly, be visited in prison.

“Exclusive:Hello Mr Waltz… we’ve been expecting you.#ChristophWaltz is back as #Blofeld in ⁦@007⁩ #Bond25 , shooting scenes at Pinewood studios . When a visitor spotted him , Waltz insisted , “You haven’t seen me.”,” Baz Bamigboye revealed on Twitter.

This will be Craig’s final movie as Bond, and his replacement remains the subject of much speculation.

Richard Madden is the bookies favourite, with Tom Hiddleston close behind.

Bond 25 is out on April 8, 2020.