Lashana Lynch has opened up about receiving some surprisingly dark and racist reactions to her role in the upcoming film No Time To Die. After facing long delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, No Time To Die is set to premiere on October 8. The movie will star Daniel Craig in his finale appearance as James Bond, alongside Lynch who will portray Nomi. As illustrated by the No Time To Die trailer, Nomi is a mysterious 00 who entered active service and rose through the ranks of M16 following Bond’s retirement. The film will see Bond pulled out of retirement to aid in the search of a missing scientist abducted by a dangerous villain.

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Lynch’s role in No Time To Die is intriguing and could potentially set her character up as a replacement for James Bond. She would be a strong candidate for the role, as she is an actress on the rise in Hollywood. Lynch began her career starring in a number of films, including Fast Girls and Brotherhood. Her breakthrough role came in 2019 when she made her Marvel debut as Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel. Following her MCU debut she quickly landed her No Time To Die role, becoming the first female and African American 007.

In an interview with The Guardian, Lynch opened up about racist reactions she received for her 007 role. Lynch recounted how her role in No Time To Die led to speculation and strong reactions about her potential for becoming the next Bond. While many were supportive, she also faced several very dark and mean racist responses. They reminded Lynch of time before she was born, when women and Black individuals faced extreme oppression and inequality. However, it aided in reminding her of the work she must do to continue bettering the world. Check out her statement below:

The response was generally positive, but there were some very personal messages to me, like Insta DMs and Twitter. And just conversations that my friends had heard or overheard on the [London subway] that were really mean, dark and reminiscent of an age I wasn’t even born in, where women and Black people weren’t allowed to move in certain spaces. So it also reminded me about the work that I still have to do to try to change the world in a little way that I know how.

The racism that Lynch faced is disturbing, but also highlights the necessity for more minorities and women to be given prominent roles in film. While Lynch has largely denied being in the running to replace Craig as the next Bond, that doesn’t entirely eliminate the possibility that her character may have some future in the Bond franchise. The role of Bond is quite past due to introduce some diversity and inclusivity, as the role has been dominated by white male actors since it first hit the big screen. The need for a reimagining of the character makes certain candidates for the next Bond, such as Lynch, Idris Elba, or Henry Golding, very appealing and exciting.

Overall, the racist reactions are a painful reminder of backwards mindsets that still exist, but Lynch handled them with grace and class. The racism shouldn’t dishearten one, but should be evidence that there is still much change needed. Part of that change should be placing more females and minorities in roles, so that it is not a surprise, but merely the norm, when passionate and talented female actress land prominent roles. Lynch’s future with the Bond franchise is uncertain, but regardless if she is or is not the next Bond, her role in No Time To Die is still historic. A powerful Black women portraying an 007 is a large victory and puts the naysayers in their place as Hollywood diversifies.

Source: The Guardian

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Rachel Ulatowski
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Rachel Ulatowski is a Freelance Movie/TV News Writer for Screen Rant. She works to bring readers the latest news on the shows and movies that are important to them. Rachel especially enjoys writing about celebrity news and sharing the thoughts, struggles, and perspective of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, and watching anything Marvel, DC, Doctor Who, or Star Wars.

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