Lashana Lynch: is the British 'Captain Marvel' actress about to take over as 007 in 'Bond 25'?

The British actress is taking over the famous code name, according to reports

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA - APRIL 25:  Cast member Lashana Lynch attends the "Bond 25" film launch at Ian Fleming's home "GoldenEye" on April 25, 2019 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures)
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Daniel Craig has announced he's stepping down as the much-loved spy character James Bond after the latest movie, currently dubbed Bond 25, is released. So the question of who will follow in his footsteps has kept film buffs busy for a while now.

One theory that gained traction was that it would be Idris Elba. However, many have wondered whether Ian Fleming's most famous protagonist might actually be played by a woman.

At least one of those theories seems to have been confirmed, as reports have come out that 007 will next be played by Lashana Lynch, a British actress whose screen credits include The Bill, Death in Paradise and Captain Marvel.

Before traditionalists get up in arms, Lynch will reportedly be playing a spy whose code name is 007. She will not – we repeat, she will not – be the actual James Bond.

An inside source told the Daily Mail: "There is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says 'Come in 007', and in walks Lashana who is black, beautiful and a woman.

"It's a popcorn-dropping moment. Bond is still Bond but he's been replaced as 007 by this stunning woman."

It's an interesting move considering Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge just took over writing duties – and recently spoke critically and openly about how Bond has historically treated women in the films. "I think he's absolutely relevant now," the Killing Eve writer told Deadline. "It has just got to grow. It has just got to evolve, and the important thing is that the film treats the women properly. He doesn't have to. He needs to be true to this character."

Lynch is set to play Nomi in the forthcoming film, which is set to be released in 2020.