Lashana Lynch's new spy thriller series inadvertently proves who would be the perfect next James Bond in the as-yet-unnamed new franchise arrival Nomi, Lynch stole the show in Daniel Craig's last outing as the iconic British agent, the 2021 release No Time To Die. Given that she plays a replacement 007 in the movie, she made a strong case for stepping in for Craig on a permanent basis. However, her latest project proves that the picture is more complicated.
The issue of Bond 26 will be a total reboot, Lynch's impressive performance made a strong case for continuing the franchise with the first female 007 in the lead. Yet, while this remains a tempting prospect, Lynch's 2024 espionage thriller proves that there's another candidate to take on the role who may be even more effective.
Day Of The Jackal Proves Eddie Redmayne Is An Ideal Bond
He Ticks All The Boxes
Adapted from the popular Frederick Forsyth novel of the same name, The Day of the Jackal is a classic spy story that shares many characteristics with James Bond. The original revolves around a cat-and-mouse game between an ambitious intelligence officer and a dangerous rogue British assassin known only as "The Jackal". While the 2024 version updates the setting from the 1960s, this dynamic remains a core part of the story, with Lashana Lynch taking on the role of Bianca, the protagonist. Opposite her is Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, whose role as The Jackal inadvertently acts as the ideal James Bond audition.
Not only do Day of the Jackal and Bond share contemporary settings, but there are clear echoes between the eponymous characters. Both are British spies (Bond is even described as a "British assassin" in Die Another Day), and both are ruthless in their approach to spycraft. There are multiple parallels between Craig's interpretation of Bond and The Jackal, with cold calculation forming a key part of both characterizations. While it's notable that The Day of the Jackal represents an additional foray into the genre for Lynch, it's actually Redmayne who benefits most as far as Bond's future is concerned.
Who should be the next James Bond?
Daniel Craig has moved on from James Bond, opening the door for another actor to step in. While there are many names floating around Hollywood and being discussed by fans of the franchise, the decision will ultimately be made depending on which way the franchise wants to go. Do they want a younger Bond who can sign on for a long list of films? Or rather an older Bond to appear in just a couple before bringing on a new Bond? Personally, I have two favorites at the top of my list. First is Matt Smith. There is no doubt that he is an incredible actor, especially with such lead roles as The Doctor and Daemon Targaryen. Plus, he is a snazzy dresser. The other is Andrew Garfield, should the studio want to go younger. Another actor who has proven himself time and time again, taking on comedic, action, and dramatic lead roles, he is a complete package.
While many British actors have been mentioned in dispatches around the vacant Bond role, Redmayne has arguably flown under the radar. This could be because he typically takes on more dramatic, less action-oriented parts, such as his Academy Award-winning performance as Stephen Hawking. However, the fact that he has been selected to portray one of the most iconic spies in all fiction suggests that he has more than enough range to take on Bond. While it remains to be seen how his Jackal will be received, at this stage it only seems to strengthen his case for Bond.
James Bond Would Perfectly Flip Redmayne's Jackal Character
The Characters Are Almost Mirror Images
One of the most successful things about the Craig era of James Bond was how the actor was able to capture the tortured darkness within the character. This was a trait that was often absent in quippier portrayals, such as Brosnan and Moore, and makes Bond feel more grounded and relatable. Although it manifests very differently, this is something that also defines The Jackal.
The Day of the Jackal was first made into a movie in 1973. It holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Whereas Bond is almost always an unambiguous hero, The Jackal is decidedly villainous. In many ways, he represents what James Bond could become if he ever gave into his darkest tendencies, becoming a terrifying gun-for-hire, capable of committing appalling violence on anyone who stands in his way. For Redmayne, playing Bond after The Jackal would allow him to play two sides of the same coin. It's an intriguing prospect that would remain consistent with the new emotional depths explored by Daniel Craig.
Lashana Lynch Already Has Her Perfect Bond Character
Nomi Was A Great Addition To The Franchise
After her exciting debut, it's understandable that many fans remain keen to see more of Lashana Lynch in the James Bond universe. However, while her character's survival at the end of No Time To Die provides plenty of opportunity for a potential return, this does not mean that Lynch should herself play James Bond.
As 007, Lynch already inherited the mantle left by Craig at the end of his arc. Nomi has proven herself capable of commanding the screen on her own without overtly "becoming" James Bond. If anything, it would be an insult to this new character if her personality, motivations, and unique skills were erased simply so Lashana Lynch could become a new version of an existing archetype. While it's not known whether Bond will continue No Time To Die's story in Bond 26, it would be much more exciting to see the next chapter of Nomi's story than to simply erase her in favor of turning Lynch into "Jane" Bond.
- Created by
- Ian Fleming, Albert R. Broccoli
- First Film
- Dr. No
- Latest Film
- No Time to Die
- Films
- James Bond 26
- Cast
- Daniel Craig
- Genres
- Action
