Lashana Lynch unbothered by criticism on being crowned 007

Actor Lashana Lynch earlier on confirmed speculations that her character in No Time To Die will replace James Bond as 007. She subsequently received backlash, with many criticising the decision for her to take on the 007 mantle originally synonymous with a certain archetype.

In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Lynch addressed this criticism, pointing out that the conversation had more to do with her ethnicity and gender than herself. “I am one Black woman. If it were another Black woman cast in the role, it would have been the same conversation. She would have got the same attacks, the same abuse,” she said.

Adding on, Lynch shared that she doesn’t let the negativity affect her since its part and parcel of doing something “revolutionary.” She said, “I just have to remind myself that the conversation is happening and that I’m a part of something that will be very, very revolutionary.”

According to the publication, Lynch had to delete all social media apps from her phone for a week, restricting her contact to only family and close friends to drown out all the criticism. The actor had to remind herself that the comments against her weren’t personal.

In the Bondverse, Lynch’s character Nomi goes on to take over the 007 mantle after James Bond’s sudden disappearance following the events of Spectre. Among other things, Lynch wants to bring an “authentic” experience to the audience through her performance. "I didn't want to waste an opportunity when it came to what Nomi might represent," she said. "I searched for at least one moment in the script where black audience members would nod their heads, tutting at the reality but glad to see their real life represented. In every project I am part of, no matter the budget or genre, the black experience that I'm presenting needs to be 100% authentic."

Last month, it was announced that No Time to Die will be postponed until next year. The film, starring Daniel Craig in his final stint as the super suave secret agent, is expected to hit theatres on April 2, 2021, a year later than initially planned, reported Variety. Curiously, it is now set to open the same weekend as Fast & Furious 9. Universal, the studio behind the high-octane franchise, is distributing the Bond film internationally.

“MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, today announced the release of No Time To Die, the 25th film in the James Bond series, will be delayed until April 2 in order to be seen by a worldwide theatrical audience,” the film-makers said in a statement. “We understand the delay will be disappointing to our fans but we now look forward to sharing No Time To Die next year.”

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