Doctor Who companion Pearl Mackie wants to play James Bond

The actress said she'd take on the spy if movie bosses threw it at her
New role: Pearl Mackie is keen to play Bond
Tabatha Fireman/Getty
Emma Powell10 April 2017
The Weekender

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Pearl Mackie hasn’t made her Doctor Who debut yet, but she’s already set her sights on becoming the next James Bond.

The 29-year-old actress – who will play Bill Potts alongside Peter Capaldi’s time lord – is keen to play the first female 007 agent.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror she said: “I’d quite like to play James Bond. Not Jane Bond, James. If I can be called Bill, I can be called James can’t I?

“For me it’s just about playing characters with depth who have interesting stories to tell that maybe approach things in a way you haven’t seen before.

'A genuine delight: Peter Capaldi has praised Mackie as a 'fine, fine actress'
BBC

“I think there’s so many wonderful people and characters out there that don’t exist yet that I’d like to play. I’d like to do a bit of everything really. Whatever - throw it at me and I’ll do it. I’ll take James Bond.”

But Mackie may have to wait a few more years before she can take over as Bond. Daniel Craig is said to be back on board with the franchise, despite previously joking that he would rather ‘slash his wrists’ than play the secret service spy again.

According to Page Six, Craig was finally convinced to continue his tenure after working with producer Barbara Broccoli on his hit off-Broadway production of Othello.

“Daniel was very pleased with how ‘Othello’ went and the great reviews,” said a source. “Now Daniel’s talks with Barbara are going in the right direction.

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“They have a script – screenwriting duo Neal Purvis and Robert are writing and they’ll go into production as soon as Daniel is ready to commit.”

Pierce Brosnan – who last played Bond in 2002 film Die Another Day – encouraged Craig to take on another outing as the British spy.

“It’s his for the taking,” he said. “Go for it man. He’s brilliant.”

Craig has enjoyed four outings as Bond in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.

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