It has been confirmed that 28 Days Later and Pirates of the Caribbean actress
Naomie Harris has already been summoned to Bond producer offices in connection with a role in the still untitled (but
Sam Mendes attached) 23rd
James Bond film.
EW.com confirmed what initially appeared to be a
rumour from the British press, that a spokesman for EON Productions, Bond's home, said that the actress is being considered for a Bond girl part and that she has met with filmmakers. I had the pleasure of a
one-on-one chat with the, then, 33 year old actress, following last year's London Film Festival screening of her forthcoming film
The First Grader and I have to admit she was one of the most down-to-earth, intelligent, sexy, yet pleasingly unpretentious actors I have ever had the pleasure of conversing with. In addition to The First Grader - a true-to-life drama set in Kenya where she has a co-staring role as a primary school teacher - I quizzed Harris about her experience starring opposite the likes of Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp in films directed by Michael Mann (Miami Vice), Gore Verbinski (Dead Man's Chest, At World's End) and Danny Boyle (28 Days Later). From her quick-witted intelligent responses it was obvious that she was a thorough professional, always willing to adapt and learn new tricks for parts (she asked Mann for prep time in the Bronx to brush up her accent for Miami Vice and trained as an actual teacher for Grader), but one who perhaps didn't have an exact career projectory but was actively seeking the next challenging role. Could this be the stint that finally catapults Harris to the big time and gives her the wider audience/critical acclaim that she thoroughly deserves?
Her roles in 28 Days Later, the Pirate sequels and the more recent Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll is clear cut proof she can do strong, gutsy, feisty support and her work across a multitude of genre is further evidence of her impressive adaptability- just what the Bond franchise needs after the rather limp, forgettable performances of Olga Kurylenko and Gemma Arterton in 2008's Quantum of Solace. So kudos to
Michael Wilson and
Barbara Broccoli for realising Harris' undervalued potential and considering her for the job. Harris has the looks, charm, action ability and sex appeal for the role - whether it be as an adversary or confidant of 007. If she comes onboard and joins the confirmed likes of
Daniel Craig, Judi Dench not to mention the already ingenious directorial addition of Sam Mendes, then this latest assignment could soar to new Casino Royal heights and put Bond back on track. So what do you think? Could Naomie Harris be the ideal 21st Century Bond/girl match?