Those forward-thinking folks down at the Daily Mail have reported that Naomi Harris may take on the iconic role of Miss Moneypenny in the unnamed BOND 23 production. This news follows last week’s rumours that Harris was on board , but at the time she was believed to be playing a love-interest, or ‘Bond Girl’. However the role of Moneypenny is arguably more iconic than many previous Bond Girls, and has featured in the series since the first film, DR. NO (1962). The character – who acts as secretary to Bond’s boss M (currently played by Judi Dench) – has been portrayed by five different actresses.
The news that Moneypenny is returning to the series may come as a relief to Bond fans as she hasn’t appeared since 2002’s DIE ANOTHER DAY, where she was played by Samantha Bond. THN are certainly pleased to hear that Moneypenny is back in the fold, as QUANTUM OF SOLACE (2008) veered so far from the Bond formula that is was almost unrecognisable as part of the series, and a huge disappointment following the brilliant and appropriately subversive CASINO ROYALE (2006).
We’re confident that Harris – who has proved her worth in such fare as 28 DAYS LATER (2002) and SEX & DRUGS & ROCK & ROLL (2010) – will do a grand job as the famous character, who is not traditionally a ‘proper’ romantic interest but knows full well how to tantalise Bond and push his buttons. She’ll no doubt be perfect foil for Daniel Craig’s cheeky double-agent.
BOND 23 will be directed by Sam Mendes and is set for release next year.
