Lashana Lynch, Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux
(Picture: Getty Images for EON Productions)Lea Seydoux has hailed the portrayal of “powerful” women in the new James Bond movie No Time To Die, saying: “They’re not just waiting to be saved.”
The actress, who plays Bond’s on-off girlfriend Madeleine Swann, described the latest film as “very different” to the others — crediting the influence of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was drafted in to work on the script on Daniel Craig’s request.
Originally slated for April last year but delayed due to the pandemic, No Time To Die is Craig’s final outing as Bond.
Last night the long-awaited premiere was held at the Royal Albert Hall, with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge all attending. Cast members including Seydoux, Craig, Lashana Lynch and Ben Whishaw joined them in the royal box to watch the thriller.
Before the screening, Craig dedicated the film to pandemic front-line workers — some of whom had been invited to the event. He said: “We want to thank you. It’s an honour for us that you’re here this evening and for what you’ve done for us over the last 18 months, we thank you. We’d like to dedicate this film to you this evening.”
Speaking to ES Magazine about the movie, Seydoux said: “The women are not objectified. They’re powerful. They’re not just waiting to be saved. It’s the same with Bond: Daniel has built this character with real depth.”
Seydoux said the movies had become “deeper, more emotional” since Craig made his debut in Casino Royale in 2006. “It’s changed a lot with Daniel...What I find absolutely brilliant is that he’s created this character with real flaws.
“He’s not perfect. Before, Bond was something else, more superficial.” Talking about Waller-Bridge’s influence, the star said: “She did add a more [feminist outlook]. But mostly she added her wit. She’s hilarious. I loved Fleabag.”
