'Fleming Rolling in Grave': Netizens Livid After Bond Producer Says Next 007 Could Be Non-Binary

The news comes amid speculation about the next installment of the famous spy saga and discussions about representation in the film industry. Some reports even suggested that the UK's next top spy could be a woman.

The next James Bond could be a non-binary figure, the saga's producer Barbara Broccoli has said. The 61-year-old, who has worked on 13 Bond films, including "Octopussy", "License to Kill", "Tomorrow Never Dies", and the latest one, "No Time to Die", made the statement while speaking on the podcast Girls on Film.

Host Anna Smith quizzed Broccoli about the next film in the franchise and whether producers plan to introduce any changes to 007's identity and character.

"Non-binary, perhaps, maybe one day?", Smith asked.

"Who knows? I mean, I think it's open. We just have to find the right actor", the film producer replied.

At the same time, she disproved rumours that Britain's most famous spy could be a woman.

"I don't think that we should be making films where women are playing men. I think we should be making more films about women. I think Bond will be a man", Barbara Broccoli said.

A non-binary person is defined as someone who doesn't identify as being female or male and uses pronouns like "they" or "them".

The news has caused a torrent of angry comments on social media.

Beyond words to describe sickness.

— Wilhemina Bothwell (@ettieeden) December 12, 2021

Ian Fleming must be rolling over in his grave...https://t.co/jhLcrpaBNg

— Mike Bravo (@MikeBravoNC) December 12, 2021

Ffs just leave something alone... stop ruining things!!!

— Jamie Henderson (@cca_nrfc) December 12, 2021

Even people who are not fans of the saga voiced their discontent.

I’ve never watched any of the James Bond movies so I’m not biased in this conversation. But wouldn’t it be best to come up with a franchise of their own with the main character being Non-Binary? Or even a new woman spy? Be original, and leave the classics as they are!

— Freddie 🗯 (@Freddie_23_23) December 12, 2021

Many users said they won't watch the next film if 007 is made a non-binary person.

Quoting article...

"...the character could identify as non-binary... "

Okay

And I'll identify as someone not watching James Bond movies anymore.

— Chris CPX (@ChristopherCPX) December 12, 2021

That will be one Bond movie I don't watch. https://t.co/atdMagjasz #FoxNews

— j (@earthseige) December 12, 2021

Others predicted the end of the franchise itself if producers go forward with the changes.

James Bond could be the biggest financial flop in the future…https://t.co/XL17MTKiUE #FoxNews

— Merrick96 🇬🇧🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈 (@Merrick963) December 12, 2021

Will fail at box office.

James Bond could be non-binary in future: 'It's open'https://t.co/XOl6FslDUB

— America#1 (@DoNotForget_911) December 12, 2021

Some netizens emphasised that the film's producers should stick to Ian Fleming's portrayal of James Bond.

This is insane. Create a new franchise with the lead character a woman/person of colour/gay/non-binary. Leave James Bond alone. It's a successful franchise as it is. Bond was created by Flemings as a straight white man who's handsome & charming with women https://t.co/Rv5bVRzjgd

— مش مهم (@Gihan81) December 12, 2021

Then call it something else. This is not how Fleming intended it to be.

— nico wurzer (@nicow86452535) December 12, 2021

Many users wondered what the plot of the next movie would be like if 007 becomes non-binary.

The evil misogynistic, homophobic villain is attempting to convert world in binary mode and implement regressive family values in schools and colleges...
Non-binary James Bond, pronoun they/them saves the day with the help of woke mob on Twitter and cancels the vilian

— AlanBravo (@SlayerLiberandu) December 12, 2021

An excellent idea. But there is still too much wrong with Bond. Why does they have to kill the baddies? Surely it would be better to see Bond around the table negotiating peace treaties with baddies rather than despatching them. I'd also like to see Bond wearing unisex clothing

— The Super History Buff (@super_buff) December 12, 2021

And they definitely should be vegan.

— Melindi Scott (@melindiscott) December 12, 2021

Still others directed their anger at Barbara Broccoli.

And how do the producers identify themselves? Fluid C***s?

— Sandro Martins🇬🇧🇬🇬🇧🇷 (@sanmarts) December 12, 2021

Just before Cubby Broccoli passed away he told his family “Don’t let them screw it up.” I guess his daughter, Barbara Broccoli, didn’t listen and is going to neuter #JamesBond and make him a eunuch. https://t.co/ElqXBIdesp

— David Long (@david_d1421) December 12, 2021

Commenting on the proposed changes, one Hollywood producer, who spoke to the Daily Mail said that 007 "has to adapt to the times, but a non-binary [Bond] might be hard for fans to accept".