Daniel Craig Shoots Down Interviewer Who Suggests Phoebe Waller-Bridge Was a Diversity Hire on the New James Bond Film

BY Josiah HughesPublished Nov 4, 2019

The forthcoming Bond 25 is one of 2020's most anticipated films. In addition to the return of Daniel Craig and the first Bond from director Cary Fukunaga, the film — now officially titled No Time to Die — also features some writing from sought-after Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Despite her impressive career, however, one interviewer dared to suggest she was a "diversity hire" in a recent interview.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Daniel Craig was asked if Waller-Bridge was hired to make the film more diverse. He did not take the question lightly.

"Look, we're having a conversation about Phoebe's gender here, which is fucking ridiculous," Craig said. "She's a great writer. Why shouldn't we get Phoebe onto Bond?"

The interviewer doubled down, asking if Waller-Bridge was brought on board to increase the film's representation of women.

"I know where you're going, but I don't actually want to have that conversation," Craig said. "I know what you're trying to do, but it's wrong. It's absolutely wrong. She's a fucking great writer. One of the best English writers around. I said, 'Can we get her on the film?' That's where I came from."

He continued, "She's just brilliant. I had my eye on her ever since the first Fleabag, and then I saw Killing Eve and what she did with that and just wanted her voice. It is so unique — we are very privileged to have her on board."

No Time to Die will hit theatres on April 8, 2020.
 

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