Former Bond girl calls for Sydney Sweeney to be cast as 007: “She has ownership of her sexual identity”

Sydney Sweeney could bring a different kind of female character to the James Bond franchise, according to a former 007 star who believes the actress possesses qualities that modern audiences increasingly expect from the series.

Trina Parks , who appeared alongside Sean Connery in the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever, has publicly endorsed Sweeney for a leading role in the next installment as Amazon MGM Studios moves closer to choosing Daniel Craig 's successor.

Parks made history as the first black actress to play a Bond girl, portraying the formidable assassin Thumper. More than five decades later, she believes the franchise should continue evolving its female characters rather than returning to familiar stereotypes.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Parks praised Sweeney 's acting versatility and suggested her confidence would make her particularly well suited to the Bond universe.

"Sydney would do a wonderful job," Parks said. "She has done quite a range of acting things and basically has got ownership of her sexual identity."

The endorsement arrives amid reports that Sweeney is among several actresses being considered for the upcoming movie, although no official casting announcement has been made.

Parks believes the next Bond film needs a female lead who can challenge the famous secret agent rather than simply become another romantic interest.

"I feel for modern cinema and film-making and the future of Bond, audiences want to see a woman opposite Bond who is independent and has ownership of her sexuality. Sydney has those qualities," she explained.

The former actress also highlighted Sweeney 's traditional Hollywood appeal, arguing that her screen presence and confidence would complement the franchise's established style while introducing something different.

"The days of women just falling into bed with him have changed," Parks added, emphasizing how expectations surrounding female characters have developed since her own appearance in the series.

Parks also identified Zendaya as a strong candidate, praising her ability to portray powerful characters who wouldn't be intimidated by Bond.

Former Bond actress Jane Seymour has similarly supported Sweeney 's potential involvement, describing her as talented and questioning why she should not be considered.

James Bond casting race enters crucial stage

The discussion surrounding Sweeney comes as director Denis Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold continue preparations for the franchise's next installment.

Actors Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor have been linked with the final stages of the search for Craig's replacement, with additional speculation surrounding an unidentified candidate.

Sweeney has previously expressed enthusiasm for joining the franchise, although she jokingly suggested that playing James Bond himself might prove more entertaining.

The actress has also been attached to Villeneuve 's upcoming adaptation of The Custom of the Country, creating an existing professional connection with the director.

Amazon MGM Studios has yet to confirm either its new 007 or the principal female cast, leaving the final decisions open.

However, Parks ' comments underline the expectations surrounding the reboot, particularly the opportunity to introduce female characters whose importance extends beyond their relationship with Bond.