Saoirse Ronan, best known for her role in “Lady Bird,” has revealed her aspirations of stepping into the illustrious world of James Bond. While she has expressed a keen interest in portraying a young female villain with a sinister edge, recent developments may have complicated her ambitions. Ronan, who is 32 years old, has admitted to the potential pitfalls of her previous statements, particularly with her husband, Jack Lowden, among those rumoured to take on the iconic mantle of 007.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Ronan reflected on her prior declarations about wanting to join the Bond franchise, highlighting how her husband’s association with the role might have caused her to rethink her own candidacy. “I’ve eaten my words after saying that now,” she remarked, acknowledging the unexpected complexities introduced by the speculation surrounding Lowden.
Ronan first articulated her interest in joining the Bond universe in early 2024, indicating a desire to portray a female antagonist. She expressed a vision of a character with depth, who transcends the typical motivations of villainy, stating, “I want to go dark.” Her eagerness resurfaced during a conversation with Empire, where she reiterated her commitment to the idea, insisting, “I’m dead serious.”
Her ambition is shaped by a desire for representation within the franchise. “I think it would be really interesting, having a young female villain,” she explained. Ronan emphasised the importance of showcasing women who channel their anger and frustrations into something formidable. “There’s something interesting about that dramatically,” she added.
The James Bond franchise has a rich history of memorable female villains, including characters like Grace Jones’ May Day and Famke Janssen’s Xenia Onatopp. Ronan’s vision builds on this legacy, envisioning a character that resonates with contemporary audiences, particularly women.
Currently, the next Bond film is in development with Denis Villeneuve at the helm and renowned “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight penning the script. While official announcements regarding casting remain unmade, Lowden’s name has surfaced among those considered for the coveted Bond role. Other actors in the running include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Harris Dickinson, all vying for a place in a franchise that has captivated audiences for decades.
Ronan’s husband, Lowden, known for his role in the espionage series “Slow Horses,” adds a personal twist to her hopes of joining the Bond ensemble. Although she declined to comment specifically on casting decisions, Ronan expressed her enthusiasm for the possibility of collaborating with Lowden on screen. “We met through work… it just feels like when the right thing comes along, it would be the obvious choice for us to do it together,” she conveyed, hinting at a collaborative future.
With the next instalment of the James Bond series not set for release until 2028, audiences are left to ponder the evolving dynamics of the franchise and the potential roles awaiting talented actors like Ronan and Lowden. Meanwhile, Saoirse Ronan’s latest project, a dark comedy titled “Bad Apples,” is scheduled to hit theatres in both the United States and the UK on 18 September 2026, showcasing her range and versatility as she navigates her career alongside her aspirations within the Bond universe.
As speculation continues to swirl around the next Bond film, Ronan’s comments have further ignited discussions around the evolving landscape of female roles in traditionally male-dominated narratives. Whether she will eventually find a place within the franchise remains uncertain, but her ambition and vision reflect a contemporary shift in storytelling that seeks to give voice to diverse perspectives in cinema.