As preparations for the next James Bond film progress, Saoirse Ronan has expressed her ambition to step into the shoes of a female villain, bringing a fresh and darker dimension to the iconic franchise. The acclaimed actress, known for her four Academy Award nominations, has made it clear that she seeks to redefine the typical Bond adversary, aiming to portray a character with a distinct, complex agenda.
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Speaking to Empire magazine, Ronan articulated her desire to embody a Bond antagonist and reiterated her seriousness about the role. “I want to go dark,” she stated, emphasising her dedication to the idea. This passion isn’t newfound; the concept of a multifaceted female villain has long fascinated the 32-year-old actress.
Ronan’s vision for this character diverges from the traditional trope of a villain who merely seeks to seduce Bond, followed inevitably by their demise. In a conversation with Vanity Fair, she outlined her intention to create a character that captivates the audience. “There’s a lot to unpack there, you know? There’s a lot to work on, which I like,” she explained, suggesting that the emotional depth of a female villain could be both engaging and refreshing. She added that a female character driven by her own ambitions would offer viewers a compelling alternative to the usual romantic narratives seen in the franchise.
The idea of a young female villain taking centre stage in Bond’s world excites Ronan, who believes it could resonate strongly with women and girls. “To see someone who can just take all that pent-up anger and direct it somewhere, there’s something interesting about that dramatically,” she commented. This vision could help bring a new dynamic to the Bond series, portraying a woman whose intentions are not solely romantic but far more sinister and fulfilling.
As speculation mounts around the next Bond film, currently being developed by Amazon MGM Studios under the direction of Denis Villeneuve, Ronan’s aspiration remains tantalisingly possible. The studio has yet to confirm any casting decisions, leaving room for speculation about both the iconic role of Bond and the character of the villain. Names like Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and others have emerged as potential candidates for the leading role. Notably, Ronan’s husband, Jack Lowden, has also been mentioned in discussions regarding the coveted Bond position.
Ronan and Lowden celebrated their marriage in a private ceremony in Scotland in 2024 and recently became parents. The actress made headlines when she showcased her baby bump at a Louis Vuitton fashion show in France earlier this year, further drawing media attention to both her personal life and her prospective career moves. The couple was later spotted in London, along with their newborn, indicating their commitment to navigating parenthood alongside their burgeoning careers.
In describing her approach to selecting roles, Ronan mentioned the importance of instinct. “I’m always hesitant to analyse that too much… There’s a visceral reaction that I’ll have to something,” she reflected. “The telltale sign for me when I’m reading a script is that I’ll start to say the lines out loud.” This organic connection to the material is central to her decision-making process as she explores potential new characters.
Ronan’s most recent project, the dark comedy “Bad Apples,” showcases her ability to delve into complex narratives. Portraying a schoolteacher named Maria, she finds herself in a troubling predicament when a disruptive student is accidentally confined in her home, leading to unforeseen consequences as other students excel in the child’s absence. Reflecting on the character, Ronan noted, “I certainly don’t feel like Maria is an out-and-out psychopath. I think she’s the nicest villain you could play,” demonstrating her knack for finding shades of grey in her roles.
The upcoming James Bond film, often referred to as Bond 26, is slated to begin filming in 2027, with an expected release date in 2028. As fans await further details, Ronan prepares for the theatrical debut of her film “Bad Apples,” which will hit cinemas in the UK and US on 18 September 2026. Her commitment to exploring darker narratives signals her readiness to take on challenging roles, with her sights firmly set on the world of Bond.