James Bond fans have heaped praise on writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge for championing women’s empowerment after the first full trailer for the latest installment was released on Wednesday.
The new promotional clip sent viewers into meltdown as lead actress Lashana Lynch was unveiled as fierce agent Nomi – rumoured to be the first female 007 – alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig, his love Madeleine (Lea Seydoux) and his aid Paloma, played by Ana de Armas.
And with the theme of feminism present in the film, excited social media users lauded Fleabag’s Phoebe, 34, for bringing female characters to the forefront of the iconic franchise.
Statement: The No Time To Die trailer sent fans into wild on Wednesday as Lashana Lynch was unveiled as Nomi (L) – said to be the first female 007 – alongside aid Paloma (Ana de Armas, R)
Forefront: Lea Seydoux (R) will play the role of Madeleine – James Bond’s lover (Daniel Craig plays 007)
One delighted fan penned: ‘We stan powerful women in the 007 franchise #NoTimeToDie.’
Another tweeted: ‘I’ll see it because I want to know what a Bond movie with Phoebe Waller-Bridges’ fingerprints all over it looks like. And because of Lashana Lynch. So yes, for the first time ever, I’m seeing a Bond movie because of the women.’
A third thanked comedian and playwright Phoebe for ‘challenging’ the traditional Bond subjects, stating: ‘The question of Bond’s relevance in the 21st century has punctuated Daniel Craig’s entire tenure, after he almost became a joke by Die Another Day.
‘Makes a lot of sense for #NoTimeToDie to challenge this again, especially with the first properly characterised female 00.’
‘We trust you’: Bond fans praised writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge (pictured in May) for championing women in the film
As the Killing Eve star is famed for her acclaimed unconventional writing style, another added: ‘I trust Phoebe Waller-Bridge to ensure that we get the “women making fun of and beating up Bond” film we all deserve.’
Others added: ‘It’s worth noting this is the first Daniel Craig Bond film (perhaps the first of *all* the Bond films?) where a woman shares writing credit. That woman? Phoebe Waller-Bridge. #NoTimeToDie.’
‘phoebe waller-bridge I trust you, know it. #notimetodie’. [sic]
‘Gotta say though. Powerful energy coming from the new 007. Feel ima be sad when she’s gone.’ [sic]
Powerful: And with the theme of feminism present in the film, excited social media users lauded Fleabag’s Phoebe, 34, for bringing female characters to the forefront
Squealing with enthusiasm, more shared: ‘THE NOISE I JUST MADE villain rami plus phoebe waller bridge having edited the script ?????? already on its way to being the most epic bond film yet thank u.’ [sic]
‘It was a whole “Oh, my f****g God!” to me! I cannot wait! Plus, I love to see black women playing important roles without all the extreme left fuss behind it! Will watch as soon as it gets to Germany.’ [sic]
‘REMI MALEK IS THE VILLAIN IN THE NEW BOND MOVIE AND WE HAVE A STRONG BLACK FEMALE 00 I AM LOAING MY MIND’. [sic]
‘Right? UH-MA-ZING “Stay in your lane, or I’ll put a bullet in your knee…the one that works” I’M DEAD #NoTimeToDie’. [sic]
Exciting times ahead: Fans thanked comedian and playwright Phoebe for ‘challenging’ the traditional Bond subjects
A fan even joked about Idris Elba’s once-rumoured role as Bond: ‘So glad that the new 007 is a black female. Idris Elba could never do this job because he is too busy being black superman.’
Earlier this year, Solo: A Star Wars Story actress Phoebe was enlisted to polish the script for the film.
The high-octane teaser is typically dramatic with Daniel’s Bond in a high-speed chase alongside his love Madeleine Swann, played by Lea, before launching himself off a bridge and later coming face to face with Nomi.
The footage from the highly-anticipated film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, shows Daniel back in the role but no longer working as the spy with the licence to kill.
You get in my way I will put a bullet in your knee’: The trailer shows his first brutal meeting with Nomi (pictured above with Naomie Harris)
It shows his first meeting with Nomi, who brusquely tells him: ‘The world has moved on Commander Bond. You get in my way I will put a bullet in your knee. The one that works.’
When Bond asks her if she is a double 0, she confirms she has been for two years.
Last month, Bond stars Lashana and Ana discussed their upcoming stints on 007’s 25th installment.
British actress Lashana and Cuban screen star Ana, both 31, detailed their experiences with modernising the Bond film in a #MeToo era, going against the stereotypical ‘sexualised’ heroine, and working with the much-praised co-writer of the film.
‘He’s too busy’: A fan even joked about Idris Elba’s once-rumoured role as Bond
On the film being fronted by Lashana – who is of Jamaican heritage – War Dogs actress Ana said of her co-star: ‘It’s pretty obvious that there is an evolution in the fact that Lashana is one of the main characters in the film and wears the pants — literally.’
The Hammersmith native enthused the production team took her preferences for her character Nomi on board, and has described the next 007 as someone ‘who was rough around the edges’ and has tackled both relationship and body image issues – in a bid to make her portrayal more relatable to the average viewer.
As part of The Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen Talent list, Still Star-Crossed actress Lashana told the publication: ‘You’re given a fresh perspective on a brand-new black woman in the Bond world.’
When news of Lashana taking over the role as 007 from Daniel Craig first emerged, the reports were met with mixed reviews, with former Bond girl Trina Parks even claiming the iconic code name was meant for a man.
‘There is an evolution’: British actress Lashana, 31, recently detailed her experience with modernising the Bond film in a #MeToo era
On the backlash, the media personality defiantly said: ‘It doesn’t dishearten me. It makes me feel quite sad for some people because their opinions are from a sad place. People are reacting to an idea, which has nothing to do with my life.’
Meanwhile, Ana – who is set to play Bond Girl Paloma in the film – teased details about her character, revealing she ‘helps Bond navigate through certain things that he wouldn’t be able to do alone’ but is ‘very irresponsible’.
On joining forces with the Emmy Award-winning actress and writer, Ana admitted she blushes whenever she comes face-to-face with the star, while a ‘squealing’ Lashana is proud to be working with a ‘British girl just like me’, and knew Phoebe would ensure the film will move with the times.
No Time To Die is released in UK cinemas on April 2, 2020.
Fan favourite: Daniel, 51, kicked off his promotional trail for the film in New York City on Wednesday, where he signed his autograph for fans