Next James Bond Must Place Women on ‘Equal Footing’ to ‘Reflect the Modern World,’ Says Former Series Actress
Former James Bond series actress Trina Parks argues that the next 007 reboot should better “reflect the modern world” by giving the character a romantic interest that’s his “equal” instead of “a multitude of partners.”
Parks, who played the assassin Thumper in Sean Connery’s 1971 Bond reprisal “Diamonds Are Forever,” was quoted in the Telegraph on how she thinks one of the longest-running franchises in movies can be better updated for contemporary times.
“Of course, I would like them to keep the romance in, but perhaps not give him a multitude of partners,” Parks said. “The script really has to reflect the modern world, where women are stronger characters and hold powerful positions. … I want this new movie to really place women as Bond’s equal and address the way the world is.”
A professional dancer, Parks’ Thumper featured alongside gymnast Lola Larson’s Bambi in “Diamonds Are Forever.” In the film, the scantily clad, acrobatic duo battle Connery’s 007, tossing Bond through a window before he attempts to drown the two in a swimming pool.
“I don’t want the women to just fall into bed with him because he is good-looking,” Parks continued. “It should be a female who he has got to prove that he is worthy of being her bed partner. Of course, audiences want to see seduction and that vintage flavor, but the women need to be on an equal footing.”
Notably, Bond did stop bedding a multitude of partners in the series’ most recent entries. Daniel Craig’s final two outings as 007, “Spectre” and “No Time to Die,” followed the spy as he romanced Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux). The two characters were practically monogamous, and even had a daughter together.
Since “No Time to Die,” Amazon MGM has been developing a “Bond” reboot, sustaining a yearslong media cycle of speculation on which actor will be cast to head the franchise. The studio, which spent more than $20 million to acquire creative control of the property last year, has already tapped “Dune” series director Denis Villeneuve to helm the next entry.