Boris Johnson says the next James Bond has 'got to be a man' just days after Sir Keir Starmer suggested the iconic role should be passed on to a woman after Daniel Craig
The Prime Minister did not offer his opinion on who should take over the coveted role.
But he told The Times: 'I think it will be up to whoever is the next James Bond is to identify him or herself.
Boris Johnson says the next James Bond has 'got to be a man' just days after Sir Keir Starmer suggested the iconic role should be passed on to a woman
'I think it's got to be a man, frankly. That's my view.'
Cabinet minister Michael Gove agreed with his party leader as they distanced themselves from Starmer's remarks.
Gove recommended Line of Duty star Stephen Graham, telling The Sun: 'James Bond's a man. We don't need a female Bond – it's time for a Scouse Bond, though.'
Earlier this week, Starmer told Good Morning Britain that Daniel Craig should be replaced by a woman.
He said: 'I don't have a favourite Bond, but I do think it's time for a female Bond.'
The Prime Minister did not offer his opinion on who should take over the coveted role
Thus far in the film series woman have, with some notable exceptions. been reduced to supporting roles as love conquests or femme fatales - and sometimes both.
The new film, which had its world premier on Wednesday, does break the mould with the appearance of Lashana Lynch as a fellow 00 agent, Nomi.
It is the first time that a member of the elite unit of agents has been portrayed as a woman.
However the chances of a woman stepping into the lead role seem limited.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove agreed with his party leader and recommended Stephen Graham for the role
Last week Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has said she believes 007 will always be a male character.
The head of Eon Productions, who signs off on every key hiring and firing in the franchise, said she will be discussing who will take over the role from Daniel Craig next year - and that it will be a man.
'James Bond is a male character. I hope that there will be many, many films made with women, for women, by women, about women,' she said.
Craig, 53, told Radio Times last week that he also believes Bond should remain male.
The actor said:
