Actor Nicholas Pinnock said James Bond should remain a white male character and urged producers to preserve 007’s traditional identity.
Pinnock discussed the casting debate in an interview with Radio Times. He argued that some established characters should keep their defining traits.
For example, Pinnock compared Bond with Mr T, the character associated with actor and wrestler Laurence Tureaud.
“There are some roles that need to stay as they are,” Pinnock said. He argued that changing iconic characters could upset longtime audiences.
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Also, Pinnock said he grew up watching Bond as an English, Scottish or Irish man. He said audiences expect the spy to have a distinctive accent and action-focused style.
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However, Pinnock rejected the idea of changing Bond simply to increase diversity. “I don’t want it to change,” he said.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over who will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond. The comments come as Amazon takes greater control of the Bond franchise following its acquisition of MGM.
