I really don’t like the idea of a redhead but that could change as my attitudes have in the past. I have tended to be too traditional on Bond and really wanted/want things to be close to the books. But I have come to eat my words. Here are some confessions:
- I hated the idea of a woman being cast as M because I always felt that there was an almost fatherly relationship between M and Bond that was essential. But then I actually saw Goldeneye and thought Judi Dench was amazing and loved the relationship that developed with two Bonds. In some ways my favourite M.
- When Craig was first cast, I was a little resistant as I did not want a blond Bond (though there were times when Moore was bordering on that). I was never hard core about this but really wanted to see the guy in the books. Once I heard the direction they were taking with Craig, I was totally sold even before I saw the movie.
- Most embarassingly, when rumours first emerged of a future Bond being of African descent, I was opposed because I really thought Bond’s background mattered and we did not need to bring the issue of race into it. I could easily embrace a new Mission Impossible and endless other movies led by an actor of African descent but I wasn’t ready for Bond. But others correctly pointed out to me that the race issue did not have to be central or even brought up (as I understand it was done in the early seasons of Bridgerton (I haven’t seen it)). After some reflection, I realized this really was a non-issue and would not interfere with staying true to the books (they already ignore some of Fleming’s unsavoury views). If Idris Elba had ever gotten the role, I think I would have loved him. This is my most embarassing one as I worked on racism and discrimination a lot in my early career and should have caught my own bias.
So I don’t like the idea of Ginger Bond, but I may come to regret that too. Glad we are now moving towards a new movie and a new Bond. More debates are coming!
