We may have a year until Bond 25 is released but one star is reported to be keen on more representation in the franchise.
As the debate around a female Bond rages on - despite seemingly being quashed by series producer Barbara Broccoli - it seems discussion is turning to another type of representation.
Actor Ben Whishaw is reported by The Sun to be pushing for the inclusion of "substantial character who happens to be gay".
It is said that the British actor is not suggesting that James Bond explores being gay himself but instead that the films include a major character with an important role in the plot who just so happens to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
The franchise's history with the LGBTQ+ community has been limited, beyond the problematic portrayal of henchmen Wint and Kidd in Diamonds Are Forever and hints of homoerotic undertones with Bond and Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) in Skyfall, representation has been rather thin on the ground.
James Bond 25: Time jump for next Daniel Craig outing confirmed by Naomie Harris
It would seem that the series is keen to explore more representation going ahead, as female representation looks to be improved, including with the addition of Fleabag and Killing Eve scribe Phoebe Waller-Bridge as one of the scriptwriters.
Bond 25 will centre on Bond (Daniel Craig) coming out of retirement in Jamaica to aid old friend Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) in finding a kidnapped scientist, who has been taken by a dastardly villain (Rami Malek) who carries some dangerous technology.
The film will also star Ralph Fiennes, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear, Lashana Lynch, Ana de Armas, and more.
Bond 25 is released in UK cinemas on April 8, 2020.
How do you think the Bond franchise could be more inclusive? Let us know in the comments below.
