From intergalactic wars to global espionage, Captain Marvel’s Lashana Lynch has landed her next role—Bond Girl.
Director Cary Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation) announced Lynch’s casting Thursday as well the launch of film’s principal photography in Jamaica at the breathtaking Goldeneye resort. (Back in 1952, Ian Fleming created and wrote the iconic James Bond series from his beachfront home turned exclusive resort near Ocho Rios.)
Both Fukunaga and Lynch, as well as returning cast members Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris, Léa Seydoux and additional newcomer Ana de Armas were on hand for the cast announcement.
For the British actress with Jamaican roots, being on the island for the anniversary announcement resonates beyond being sealed in 007 history alongside former Bond girls such as Grace Jones, Halle Berry and Naomie Harris.
“It’s means everything to me to be here working,” Lynch said from the Ian Fleming villa at Goldeneye. “It’s slightly bizarre because I normally come here to see family and sit on the beach and have a drink in my hand. But now I get to mesh the two worlds together and it is exciting.”
Even director Fukunaga felt the island’s vibe.
“Classic Jamaican cinema and music is something I’m really into,” he said. “I will try to get into that as much as possible but at the end of the day, the film is really about Bond’s journey.”
When pressed for details on Lynch’s Bond girl, both she and Fukunaga confessed they are still figuring her out.
“I don’t know how much of the culture will be embedded in her,” said Lynch. “But the Jamaican energy is undeniable. Even if she was from Timbuktu she would still radiate the energy from Jamaica.”
One thing Lynch sees her character doing without a doubt: connecting beyond the screen.
“We have opportunity to represent so many communities in one person and she can be absolutely anything. But she’s already, just by being present in this movie, representing communities around the world who will relate to her once they see her.”