Lashana Lynch, a 32-year old British actress, will be the first Black female 007 in the new James Bond movie, “No Time to Die”. This role is set to make history in the latest installment of this film series but it is also said to be the reason why she deleted all her social media accounts.
After the role detail was confirmed in a new Harper’s Bazaar profile of Lynch, she received immediate backlash online. Lynch is speaking about the “abuse” and “attacks” that she received from online bashers which made her decide to delete all her social media accounts and she did not see anybody for a week aside from her family.
In a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Lynch opened up about the issue: “I am a 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. I just have to remind myself that the conversation is happening and that I’m part of something that will be very, very revolutionary.”
Lynch also mentioned that she has been focusing on meditating and spending time with her family while taking a step back from her social media accounts rather than dwell on the harsh comments and complaints that she receives online.
Lynch will be playing the character of Nomi, a spy who takes over James Bond’s 007 codename after he goes into exile following the events of the previous film, “Spectre”. With Bond apparently out of the spy game, Nomi’s character has taken over his license to kill. Lynch’s portrayal of the first Black 007 iin this film definitely makes this particular installment historic. Lynch also said that Nomi’s presence on the film helps directly fight the kind of “toxic masculinity” that has been predominant in the James Bond franchise, and in all movies in general, for decades.
“I didn’t want to waste the 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 percent authentic.”
Aside from being the first Black female 007, she is also the first Black actress to achieve the “00” status. Despite this, Lynch has been dealing with the backlash for over a year now and it might continue until the release of the film. “No Time to Die” was supposed to be released in theaters in April of this year but due to different circumstances, it is now set to be in theaters in April 2021.
POP! Creator Community / Danessa Farro