Hannah Waddingham Weighs in on Whether the Next James Bond Should Be a Woman (Exclusive)

**Hannah Waddingham Dishes on Her Role in New Action-Comedy ‘Ride or Die’ and the Future of James Bond**

In a recent interview, Hannah Waddingham, the acclaimed actress known for her role in the hit series *Ted Lasso*, shared her insights about her latest project, *Ride or Die*, and her thoughts on the future of the iconic James Bond franchise. While attending a special screening of the Prime Video action-comedy on June 22 at Ham Yard Hotel in London, Waddingham made it clear that she has no intention of stepping into the shoes of 007.

Waddingham, 51, plays Judith Burton in *Ride or Die*, a character who navigates a complex double life as an assassin. Her portrayal not only showcases her versatility as an actress but also highlights her affinity for powerful female characters. When asked about what draws her to such roles, Waddingham emphasised the importance of understanding the ‘truth’ behind these women.

“It’s their truth, it’s who they are in the quiet, that’s what gets me first,” she remarked. The actress expressed a fascination with the complexities of her characters, noting that she is intrigued by their personal fears, aspirations, and quirks when they are away from the public eye. This depth of character is something she believes adds a dimension to her performances.

During the red carpet event, Waddingham was joined by her boyfriend, Nick Beresford-Cleary. The couple made their public debut earlier this month at the Variety’s Power of Women: London event and previously attended the Cheltenham Festival together in March 2022. Their presence at these events has drawn attention, adding a celebratory aspect to Waddingham’s burgeoning career.

When asked directly if she would ever consider playing James Bond, Waddingham’s response was emphatic. “No! God no! No, this is my version of 007,” she stated firmly, asserting that there are plenty of compelling stories to tell beyond the legendary spy. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment within the entertainment industry that female characters can lead their own narratives without conforming to existing male-led franchises.

Her thoughts on the potential for a female James Bond were equally revealing. While the conversation around gender-swapping iconic roles continues, Waddingham advocated for the creation of new narratives that empower women. “A woman doesn’t need to play James Bond; we’ve got other things to do,” she elaborated, highlighting the importance of diversity in storyline arcs and character developments.

In *Ride or Die*, Waddingham’s relationship with her co-star, Octavia Spencer, adds an exciting dynamic to the show. Spencer, who is 56, also commended the unique premise of the series, which focuses on two highly capable women involved in action and comedy. Speaking about the pitch she received from creator Tessa Coates, Spencer noted that it was nothing short of captivating.

“It was such an amazing pitch. I’ve heard hundreds of pitches throughout my career and none like that one,” she expressed. Spencer appreciated that the narrative centres around women of a certain age, breaking the mould of traditional action roles that often skew younger. “It just had you spellbound, on the edge of your seat,” she added.

Waddingham echoed her co-star’s enthusiasm, recalling her initial reaction to the project. “My jaw first dropped when I got the email. I didn’t even know if I was getting the part at first,” she said, recalling her disbelief that she might be cast opposite Spencer. “I just went, ‘Oh my God, whoever gets to play this character opposite Octavia is getting a dream role.’”

The collaboration between Waddingham and Spencer is reportedly filled with chemistry and humour, which they hope will resonate with audiences. Waddingham admitted that both she and Spencer had been so excited about the roles that they bypassed traditional casting channels in their eagerness to be part of the project.

With much anticipation building around *Ride or Die*, fans can look forward to its premiere on Prime Video on July 15. The series promises to blend elements of action and comedy while starring two strong female leads, paving the way for more diverse storytelling in a genre that has seen substantial growth in recent years.

In summary, Waddingham’s career continues to flourish as she embraces roles that not only entertain but also empower. Her stance on the James Bond franchise suggests an interesting conversation about the evolving landscape of film and television, where women are increasingly given the opportunity to take centre stage in their own right.