Bond. Jane Bond.live streaming movie Fantastic Four

Sorry 007 fans: Mr. Bond may be old news. Speaking to an audience in Wales on Saturday, James Bond director Sam Mendes discussed leaving the series and spilled an interesting detail about the next film: Bond will surprise you.

“[Producer] Barbara Broccoli chooses who’s going to be the next Bond: end of story. I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect. That’s what she’s been brilliant at, and that’s how it’ll survive,” Mendes said. “It’s not a public vote, and I think we’re in an age where everything is deemed votable on. Some things just aren’t, and it’s better that way.”

The final decision may not be up to fans, but that hasn’t stopped them from continuing the #NextBond campaign, a social media movement where fans share their choice for the next face of the franchise. It also hasn’t stopped some celebrities from throwing their name in.

Gillian Anderson (X-Files), Emilia Clark (Game of Thrones), Priyanka Chopra (Baywatch), and Tom Hiddleston have all discussed playing Bond. Hunger Games star and Pitch Perfect director/producer Elizabeth Banks has also mentioned playing the role but suggested the female lead character keep James as her first name.

The fact that more women have stepped forward than men is just another hint that Broccoli may lean towards a female for her pick — and the possibility of a female Bond isn’t a new idea. Angelina Jolie was eyed to be a Bond girl in 2006 but turned down the role, insisting that she’d rather play the spy and playboy himself. Emily Blunt joked about the same idea in 2012.

JaneBond

There’s certainly enough evidence to support the notion that Jane Bond is coming to theaters near you, but there’s also reason to believe James Bond will be black.

In leaked emails between Sony executives, Idris Elba was discussed to take over 007. It’s possible the unexpected twist will be a race-swapped James Bond, but Elba is done discussing that possibility after being bombarded by racist comments online.

“It’s started off racial debates. I’m probably the most famous Bond actor in the world, and I’ve not even played the role. Enough is enough. I can’t talk about it any more,” he told Telegraph.

“I don’t want to be called a black actor. You’ve got a generation of people who just want to move forward, not keep going on about the past.”

Will your girlfriend want to see the next 007 with you? Maybe! No matter which direction the future holds for Bond, roles like these are creating opportunities for more diverse casts and, ultimately, audiences.