James Bond Is Like A Time Lord
25 Films. Seven men.
That’s right. Through the years, there have officially been, with No Time To Die, 25 films starring the quintessential British spy. In that time, seven different men have carried the legacy of James Bond from script to screen. As story after story has unfolded, a great debate has joined them. Who is the best Bond?
Seven Men, One Bond
As each film has played out, we, the fans, have enjoyed these exaggerated tales of fancy. Some of us, wink wink, have even considered the “what if’s” of having the old Bonds play in the new stories. Here, in the Reel Theories screening room, a new fantasy is emerging. What if instead of seven men playing one James Bond, there have been seven men playing seven James Bonds? Hear me out. In the film adaptation of The A-Team, there is character named Lynch. By the end of the movie, there’s a new Lynch and we learn that it’s a name passed from agent to agent, not an actual guy’s name. What if “James Bond” is the same thing?
But, How… Am I Right?
Consider this. As Bond goes through his rogues gallery of villains, he always introduces himself as Bond, James Bond. What kind of secret agent can’t even keep his identity a secret? That has to be SPY 101. But, if the name of James Bond is really the public name for an agent to use, then that leaves him with his actual name intact. Another factor is that for Bond to mingle with all these baddies requires some backstops to be in play to conceal his role in espionage. It only makes sense that Q Branch would incorporate these details into the Bond name, thereby allowing him to remain anonymous to whichever villain he’s trying to thwart. When Bond introduces himself and presents a Universal Exports business card, it creates a consistency that can be verified by outside sources. Can you imagine Christopher Walken’s character from A View to a Kill inquiring about the legitimacy of Bond only to be told, “Yes, Mr. Zorin. He’s been on their payroll for several years.”
No Time To Die…Or Is There?
If we accept that all this is possible, then it throws the title of the latest entry into the Bond franchise into a new perspective. Perhaps the name of Bond can’t die, but the current placeholder of the identity can. Yes, the Reel Theories think tank has come to the conclusion that in the newest Bond film, the titular character will meet his demise. However, a new successor will also be named. This will give the No Time to Die title a deeper meaning, as well as steer the franchise in a new direction.
Who Will Be Next?
When Daniel Craig accepted the coveted role, people were fussing over the notion of a “Blonde Bond.” Thanks to a great story and top tier production, Craig was quickly able to silence those who doubted him. Now, the question remains. If the new film does kill him off, who will take his place? If the story does reveal that Bond is just a name and not a person, what limits, if any, are there? The subsequent movies could give audiences an Idris Elba Bond, or even a female Bond. Anything would be possible. Anything.
TL; DR
So the short version is that in the new movie James Bond will be revealed to be just a name. An identity shared by those in the Queen’s secret service. This explains how there have been several 007’s across the years. The “00’s” are elite agents who can promote out, retire, or even die in service to the crown. This last option will likely be the fate of the Daniel Craig version of Bond. As such, M will appoint a new agent to carry on the moniker of James Bond. The same way that every few years we get a new Doctor Who, we will get a new James Bond.
And just like that, another Reel Theory is out there for your consideration. Could this be a thing? Yes, no, or maybe so? Leave your take in the comments below! Also, be sure to check out these cool 007 items by clicking on the affiliate links just under this section.
