James Bond actress Naomie Harris has expressed sadness over the iconic spy franchise's monumental sale to Amazon MGM, while admitting she is completely in the dark about the future of her character, Miss Moneypenny.
An Era Ends for 007
The star, who has played the famous secretary in three Bond films, spoke candidly during the glamorous opening gala of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Harris, 49, revealed her emotional reaction to the deal which saw long-term producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sell the rights for a reported £1 billion in February.
"I think it's very sad. The fact that it's no longer with Barbara and Michael," Harris stated. "I've spent over a decade working with Barbara and Michael. I absolutely love them, and I feel so connected to them. They have such a passion because obviously, they're fulfilling their father's legacy."
Moneypenny's Uncertain Future
When pressed on whether she would return to the role of Eve Moneypenny, a character first introduced in Ian Fleming's original books, Harris confirmed her future is unclear. The new deal grants Amazon MGM full creative control, forming a joint venture with Wilson and Broccoli to manage intellectual property.
"I have no idea what they have planned for Miss Moneypenny," she admitted. "People keep asking me, but I genuinely have no idea. I'm not saying no to returning. Let's see what Amazon does. I'm staying open."
The search for a new 007 continues, with Denis Villeneuve confirmed to direct the next instalment following Daniel Craig's departure in 2021's No Time To Die.
Red Sea Festival Spotlight
Harris is serving on the jury for the prestigious Red Sea International Film Festival, which celebrates global cinema with a focus on Arab filmmakers. She described wanting to be a "diplomatic judge" seeking an emotional journey from the films.
She also praised the growing Middle Eastern film industry, noting that 38 of the 111 films shown this year are by female filmmakers. "It's an underrepresented, under-explored market, so it's wonderful that this is happening now," Harris said, adding she would "love to film here just for the weather alone."
The festival's opening night doubled as the world premiere of Giant, the biographical drama about British boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed, starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan. Fellow Bond alum Olga Kurylenko, who starred in Quantum of Solace, also serves on the jury and shared her hopes for the region's cinematic growth.
The gala also saw Sir Michael Caine honoured for his seven-decade career by friend Vin Diesel, supported by three of his grandchildren.
