Gillian Anderson Talks James Bond Reinvention

Gillian Anderson is no stranger to big-time franchises. The actress is well-known for her work on The X-Files where she played Scully, a fan-favorite FBI who pursued the paranormal with her partner Mulder. And, earlier this year, rumors began flying that the actress was interested in taking on a genderbent version of James Bond – something which Gillian is now speaking out about.

During a recent interview, Gillian commented on the social media post which spurred the persistent rumors. The actress shared a photo on Twitter earlier this year that mocked her up as the next iteration of 007. Gillian wrote a short message alongside the post that read, “It’s Bond. Jane Bond.”

“Thanks for all the votes! (And sorry, don’t know who made poster but I love it!) #NextBond.”

Clearly, the actress had shared the screenshot in good fun, but fans took the manipulation and ran with it. The viral image started a fiery conversation between fans as moviegoers questioned whether James Bond was ready for a change.

Speaking about the iconic role, Gillian said she doesn’t necessarily think James Bond should be a woman but that the character can be reinvented.

“I think maybe we can reinvent what Bond is,” she said. “Maybe he doesn’t have to fit into that paradigm.”

And, when asked about the fans’ reaction to her fake casting, Gillian said she was flattered. “It was a fun little thing that ran for a little while,” she explained.

Of course, Gillian isn’t the first actress to talk about a female Bond. Recently, Emilia Clark (Games of Throne) said she’d like to play the espionage icon, and Kristen Stewart (Twilight) also indicated her interest in the role.

And, for awhile, it looked like Idris Elba might be taking on Bond. Fans rallied behind the acclaimed actor in hopes that he might snag the role, but he squashed those rumors during an interview with Good Morning America. He told Michael Strahan that it was the “wildest rumor in the world” and that he was too old for the role.

“If I’m really honest, man, I think I’m too old for that,” he joked. “I can’t be running around in cars and ladies and martinis – who wants to do that? It sounds terrible!”

However, Idris did seem like he’d be interested in playing Bond if it were the “will of a nation.”

“If it were to happen, it would be the will of a nation, because there’s not been talks of me in the studios about any of that,” Elba said. “But everywhere I go, people want that to happen.”

However, fans shouldn’t hold their breaths over Idris’ casting. Rumors have been swirling that Daniel Craig has been offered an insane amount of money to reprise the iconic role. According to sources close to Radar, Sony Studios are willing to pay up to $150 million to keep the actor on board.

So, what do you guys think? Would you be interested in seeing a new iteration of James Bond take to the big screen? Would a female or POC actor interest you? Let us know in the comments below!

[H/T] Buzzfeed