The James Bond Franchise Change Ana De Armas Wants To See

Few film franchises have such a rich history in Hollywood as the James Bond franchise, which has extended well past 20 unique installments. Inspired by the literary works of Ian Fleming, the series kicked off in 1962 via "Dr. No," starring the late Sean Connery as the famed MI6 agent in an occasionally improvised performance that would launch the character into the mainstream. In the years that followed, Connery would continue to portray Bond, and in doing so, his performances and the films he starred in would set the tone for the future of the saga.

In the decades since Connery let the 007 role go, numerous other actors have come along to freshen it up. Names like Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, and more put their own spin on it, alongside a myriad of directors who put their signature touches on the films they helmed. At the same time, however, certain elements of the Bond franchise have yet to go out of style, from catchphrases to costumes. While this appreciation for the property's history is welcomed, that's not to say that keeping things in the past is the right way to go.

According to Ana de Armas, who features in "No Time to Die" as Paloma, the James Bond series should take on this much-needed change that would give it a more modern sensibility.

Women have always been a key part of the James Bond franchise, but haven't always gotten much to do. Most of these ladies are simple love interests for the iconic spy, sometimes betraying him or revealing their own motives during his adventures to spice things up. While these women have received slightly more fleshed-out roles as the years have gone on, there's still a long way to go in the eyes of many fans, as well as Ana de Armas. "That they're given a more substantial part and recognition. That's what I think is more interesting than flipping things," she told The Sun when asked for her thoughts on a female James Bond.

This isn't the first time de Armas has touched on the importance of female leads in Bond movies and how the franchise should evolve its portrayal of them. She explained to Variety that when she signed on to play Paloma, the part hadn't been written, but she knew she didn't want to play a generic damsel in distress. "Times have changed, and the women in Bond films need to be different," she said, adding that Paloma became an unexpectedly enjoyable part. Not only was she on Bond's level in more ways than one, but her limited screen time helped keep de Armas' nerves down. After all, joining the Bond franchise is a daunting experience.

Time will tell where the James Bond saga will go, but no matter what becomes of it, one can only hope that the women beside 007 will get opportunities to stand on their own two feet and shine.