James Bond fans convinced a female 007 is finally happening after ‘pointless’ Oscars tribute

Margaret Qualley kicked off a bizarre tribute to James Bond at the Oscars (Picture: Reuters)

Some James Bond fans are convinced that a woman will be taking over the role of 007, after a ‘baffling’ tribute during the Oscars 2025.

Shortly after the Academy Awards kicked off, host Conan O’Brien announced that there would be a special surprise dedicated to the super spy, as well as longtime producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli – after it was confirmed that Amazon would be taking over the franchise.

The Substance star Margaret Qualley kicked things off with a dance routine, before Blackpink’s Lisa performed a rendition of Live and Let Die, followed by Doja Cat’s version of Diamonds are Forever.

Raye wrapped the segment up with a cover of Skyfall, while Halle Berry – who popped up in 2002’s Die Another Day – appeared on stage to shout out Barbara and Michael for their efforts over the years.

‘I had the great pleasure of working with Barbara and Michael on Die Another Day,’ she began.

‘Let me tell you, they don’t just produce Bond movies, they were the heart and soul of the franchise for decades.

Halle Berry reflected on her role in Die Another Day in the segment (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘Every generation does have their Bond? The world revolves — it evolves, and so does he. But that signature mix of danger, style, and intrigue…well, that’s timeless.’

However, the tribute didn’t quite land with those watching on from home, who were baffled about the decision to honor Bond after radio silence about who would replace Daniel Craig, and when another film would be released.

Over on Reddit, many speculated that the performances by Doja, Raye and Lisa – and Margaret’s dance – could suggest that a female 007 was finally on the way.

‘I have a sneaking suspicion they’re about to announce female lead for a Bond movie. Something about the energy idk,’ Pearse_Borty suggested.

Raye belted out a cover of Skyfall during the ceremony (Picture: Getty)

Alldawgsgotoheaven2 questioned: ‘Are they announcing a female Bond?’

Many others suggested that the segment had ‘no point’ unless the next Bond was announced.

Flocking to Twitter, Alex tweeted: ‘It would have worked if the next Bond had been announced in the middle of the #Oscars.’

Michelle Pryde agreed: ‘What was the point of the James Bond tribute? I honestly thought we were going to find out who the next James Bond was during that. What a load of rubbish #Oscars.’

Doja Cat and Lisa were also among the performers for the tribute (Picture: Getty)

As Dr Marcus Shepard penned: ‘I’m a huge James Bond fan but unless they are announcing the new Bond I don’t see the point… #Oscars #Oscars2025.’

Melissa Wear asked: ‘What! And I repeat what was that Bond tribute??? #Oscars.’

PopCultureAddict commented: ‘That James Bond tribute was not needed. I love all of them individually but it felt so strange!!! #Oscars.’

David added: ‘What an absolutely pointless segment on #TheOscars #JamesBond  #itvoscars.’

Oscars 2025: Full list of winners Supporting actor

Kieran Culkin - A Real Pain

Supporting actress

Zoe Saldaña - Emilia Pérez

Original screenplay

Anora

Adapted screenplay

Conclave

Cinematography

The Brutalist

Editing

Anora

Production design

Wicked

Costume design

Wicked

Makeup and hairstyling

The Substance

Original score

The Brutalist

Original song

El Mal - Emilia Pérez

International feature

I'm Still Here

Sound

Dune: Part Two

Visual effects

Dune: Part Two

Animated feature

Flow

Animated short

In the Shadow of the Cypress

Documentary feature

No Other Land

Documentary short

The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Live action short

I'm Not a Robot

Last month, it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios and producers Michael and Barbara had ‘formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights’.

This will see Broccoli and Wilson ‘remaining co-owners of the franchise’, but Amazon ‘will gain creative control’ of 007.

Sharing the news on Thursday, Michael said in a statement via BBC: ‘With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.

‘Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.’

Barbara added: ‘My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli.

Daniel Craig announced his exit from the James Bond franchise in 2021 (Picture: MGM)

‘I have had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry.

‘With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.’

Daniel left the role as the spy following the release of No Time to Die, in 2021, but his replacement has not yet been confirmed.

A string of names have been linked to the role, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton and Idris Elba.

Callum Turner, René-Jean Page, Damson Idris and Theo James have also been named as possible Bonds.

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