Does James Bond Need an Older Woman ?

Through the decades, James Bond has gotten older while his 'mates' have stayed young and beautiful. Times change however, and even given the superspy's perpetual virility and magnetism, the Bond  'girl' was due for a new, more mature look.

Not that there is anything wrong with older men dating younger women, but perhaps at this stage in the mega-successful franchise, Bond needs an age appropriate 'mate'.  Enter Penelope Cruz, who at 40 and a new Mom, looks terrific and proves, again, how woman are defying Hollywood's fixation on female age.  Cruz is being cast as the next Bond 'girl' in the upcoming Bond film, currently named, "Solo", opposite Daniel Craig (currently 45).

Sean Connery, at 32 in the first Bond film - "Dr. No" (1962) - where the first Bond 'girl", Ursula Andress was 26.  In his last Bond film, "Never Say Never Again" (1983), Connery was 52 and his movie mate was 29 year old Kim Basinger.  But should Cruz's Bond 'girl' portrayal be seen as a feminist breakthrough - breaking a stalwart glass ceiling of cinematic chauvinism as the entertainment press is touting.  I don't think so.  Let's see.



Penelope Cruz

It's true, that at 40, Cruz will be the oldest Bond 'girl' ever, but Honor Blackman (see insert), 39 at the time, played a very enticing and beautiful Pussy Galore in "Goldfinger" (1964)  So, the "oldest Bond girl" label for Penelope kind of falls flat.  James Bond, to be James Bond, must have a suave, sophisticated, sexual persona that attracts young and old women (and men for that matter) alike.

To be fair, the 'oldest Bond girl' was Judi Dench. She was 77 when she last played "M" in "Skyfall"  (2012). As Bond's mentor and counterpoint, it's M's feminism that he adores - M is strong, determined, and yet uses her wiles to manage and 'run' MI6s top spies, including Bond.

I don't think a Bond 'girl' needs to be in her twenties - she must beautiful but importantly equal to Bond in terms of
wit, smartness, and ability.

Best
James Lavorato