As the official reveal of the next James Bond draws closer, it’s becoming clear that the reboot is steering the iconic spy firmly into the era of the “modern man.” And for longtime fans of the classic version, that shift may be hard to swallow.
The James Bond franchise has entered a new phase after long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepped aside, handing creative control to Amazon. While details about Bond’s next live-action outing remain scarce, the first real glimpse of this new direction comes through a video game.
That game is 007 First Light, and beyond telling a new story, it offers insight into how the character himself is being redefined. Based on recent comments from the developers, this interpretation is bound to frustrate fans who long for the “old school” Bond.
Speaking to MonsterVine, Martin Emborg, IO Interactive’s narrative and cinematic director on 007 First Light, explained that while this version of Bond will retain some of the controversial traits audiences associate with him, “it’s not going to be your old school Bond.” When asked directly whether the character would still display womaniser tendencies, Emborg was candid.
“Yes, you’ll see that. But Bond has evolved over the decades, and we’re reflecting modern values. The old version would feel tone deaf today. He’s a modern guy.”
The “Old School” Bond Girl Era Is Officially Over
Earlier James Bond films have faced growing criticism in recent years for how the spy treats women. From Sean Connery’s Bond spanking a masseuse in Goldfinger to Roger Moore’s version slapping Andrea Anders in The Man with the Golden Gun, these moments have aged poorly, to say the least.
According to Emborg, it’s fair to assume that audiences have evolved since then. While 007 First Light may still depict Bond with womaniser traits, they will be framed through a modern lens and portrayed as flaws rather than admirable qualities.
This shift was already visible during Daniel Craig’s era, where Bond’s relationships were often tied to his self-destructive tendencies. Several so-called “Bond Girls” were portrayed as equals and fellow action heroes, such as Nomi and Paloma in No Time to Die, played by Lashana Lynch and Ana de Armas. Although this approach divided fans, the upcoming reboot shows no sign of reversing course.
Much like the rumors surrounding James Bond 26, 007 First Light will introduce a significantly younger Bond, portrayed by Dexter: Original Sin star Patrick Gibson. This could signal a broader effort to distance the franchise from the Daniel Craig era. The game was recently delayed and is now set to launch on May 28, 2026, while Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct James Bond 26.
Source: MovieWeb
