Catherine Zeta-Jones has admitted she “had the chops to be a female [James] Bond” in a new interview with The Telegraph.
Zeta-Jones recalled how she’d always dreamed of being a spy and later, once her career in Hollywood took off, marrying that dream with a role in the famous espionage franchise.
The actress described the potential role as “the one that got away”, but that she would still leap at the chance to play a female Bond should the opportunity arise. “For many years I was Bond material,” Zeta-Jones said. “Actually, I used to dream of being a female spy when I was a kid if I didn’t make it as an actress.”
The Oscar-winner later elaborated that her aspirations predated the trend of gender-swapping roles, saying her desire to play Bond was “before there was even a female Doctor Who.”
The revelation comes as the role of Bond remains vacant, following the exit of actor Daniel Craig from the role after 16 years and four installments of the film. While Zeta-Jones is a worthy candidate, a producer on the franchise has revealed previously that the role will ultimately go to a male whose age aligns with the MI6 agent.
Michael J Wilson, who runs the production company behind James Bond films, revealed last month that the right candidate will match the spy’s experience as a “veteran.” Wilson continued: “[Bond] isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off, that’s why it works for a 30-something.” The criteria, unfortunately, rules out Zeta-Jones, who is 53, along with other fan favourite candidates Tom Holland, Idris Elba, Ryan Gosling, and Tom Hardy.
Other names that have floated around in contention for the coveted role include Bridgerton’s Rege-Jean Page and Superman’s Henry Cavill, although no official word has been announced.
Wilson has revealed that the next installment, the 26th film since James Bond first premiered in 1962, is still “a couple of years off.” Zeta-Jones, meanwhile, is currently starring as the Addams family matriarch in Tim Burton’s Netflix spinoff Wednesday.
Last week, James Bond celebrated its 60th anniversary, with stars of the franchise flocking to the red carpet in London. The festivities included the release of a specialty Omega watch.