Michelle Yeoh Discusses Casting a New James Bond

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The distinctive “Bond girls,” such as Ursula Andress’ debut as Honey Ryder in “Dr. No” and Michelle Yeoh‘s performance as Wai Lin in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” have significantly contributed to the unique charm of the James Bond series. These characters, through their roles in both high-octane action scenes and poignant emotional moments, have enhanced the cinematic experience of the Bond franchise and remain a vital part of the 007 legacy.

Regarding Yeoh, she’s been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since her collaboration with Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond. Lately, she’s been moving between different genres and platforms more than ever. She played the villain opposite Jeff Goldblum in Wicked, and will reappear as the anti-hero Philippa Georgiou in the much-anticipated Star Trek: Section 31 on Paramount+. In an interview with JEO, Yeoh openly talked about her varied roles, science fiction, and most notably, who she thinks should be the next actor to wear the famous tuxedo and take on the role of the world’s most renowned secret agent. Interestingly, Yeoh favors a newcomer or less established actor to play James Bond.

It’s fascinating how, with Bond movies, they consistently select excellent actors, though often not household names or Oscar winners. It keeps us on our toes, wondering who will be the next James Bond, chosen by Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson.

Michelle Yeoh Celebrates ‘Sunshine’ Co-Star’s Oscar Win

In addition to acting alongside Pierce Brosnan in the film “Tomorrow Never Dies”, Yeoh, known for her roles in sci-fi movies, also worked with Cillian Murphy in the 2007 thriller “Sunshine”. Directed by Danny Boyle, this movie delved into a chilling journey to rekindle a dying Sun. It was both critically and financially successful, solidifying Yeoh’s status as a skilled actress in Hollywood and highlighting Murphy’s remarkable commitment and ability.

During the same interview, Yeoh was queried about her thoughts on Murphy’s Oscar victory for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer in “Oppenheimer”. In a friendly manner, she expressed her response.

Boy, I couldn’t have been more thrilled! He truly deserved it, as his acting skills in our movie ‘Sunshine’ were simply outstanding. The way he transformed from one character to another was just mesmerizing. It’s always heartening to see people you admire, like fellow actors you’ve worked with, receive the recognition they truly deserve. And now, it’s finally happening for Hiroyuki Sanada! He won the Best Actor award at both the Emmys and Golden Globes for ‘Shogun’. It feels so gratifying!

When asked about Murphy potentially playing Bond, Yeoh jokingly commented, “I believe Cillian’s schedule wouldn’t allow him to be Bond at the moment.” This view is echoed by many Bond enthusiasts and industry experts. Despite Murphy being lined up for several future movies, the identity of the next James Bond remains a tightly kept secret.

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2025-01-24 19:32