Bond 26 is poised to reboot the iconic spy franchise once again, and therefore, it will need to cast a new Moneypenny. The history of Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise began with Lois Maxwell, the first actor to take on the role. She stayed on for 14 movies, but different versions of Moneypenny have come and gone since then. Caroline Bliss and Samantha Bond followed in her footsteps, with Naomie Harris the most recent actress to play the part opposite Daniel Craig. Casting Moneypenny is a long-term decision and one that must have great chemistry with the next James Bond actor.
While Moneypenny’s role in Bond 26 may not be a large one, whoever is cast is bound to become a mainstay of the franchise, and be involved in any sequels going forward. The secretary of MI6 is one of the most iconic characters of the franchise, and her back and forth with Bond is one of the most enjoyable elements of any Bond movie. While Naomie Harris was an excellent Moneypenny, and only got to play the character three times, new blood is needed all around for Bond 26. There are several young actors from around the globe that could be the next actress to play Miss Moneypenny.
10 Ivanna Sakhno Has Spy Movie Experience
Ahsoka
Ivanna Sakhno made a big impression earlier this year in Disney+’s Ahsoka, but her first big role came in the Mila Kunis action/comedy The Spy Who Loved Me. While the film wasn’t the best send-up of Bond-style spy films, Sakhno stole the show as Nadedja, an evil gymnast and spy. In this role, Sakhno proved she had the looks, physical talents, and comedic timing to be a perfect Moneypenny, especially if these new films want to keep Harris’ backstory of her being a field agent. Sakhno has been typecast as a villain, but she could use her unique appearance for good, as the snarky secretary.
9 Claudia Doumit Brings A Bureaucratic Presence
The Boys
In Amazon’s The Boys, and its spin-off Gen V, Australian actor Claudia Doumit plays the sinister yet welcoming Representative Neuman. It is through this role that Doumit has already proven to be a commanding presence and one that fits into the world of government and bureaucracy. In The Boys universe, Doumit has her fair share of wit, making her perfect for a lighter Moneypenny. However, if Bond 26 wants to have a more grounded tone and serve more as a political thriller, then the actress could be a more serious and down-to-earth Moneypenny as well.
8 Mandip Gill Can Make Moneypenny Lighter
Doctor Who
Having just wrapped up her time as Yaz on Doctor Who, Mandip Gill could jump from one iconic British franchise to another. Gill was a great companion to the Doctor during one of the lighter eras of the show that came during the Whitatake Doctor run. She is more than capable of bringing that same energy to Moneypenny, which could be perfect if a more playful and comedic Bond 26 tone is envisioned after the more grounded Craig era. After Harris’ more stoic take on the character, a younger, more plucky version of Moneypenny might be the right decision to update the character for a modern audience.
7 Ella Purnell Would Make For A Younger Moneypenny
Yellowjackets
While Ella Purnell has done an excellent job hiding her accent on Showtime’s Yellowjackets, the British actor has the perfect look and voice for Moneypenny. Her large eyes carry a vulnerability yet also a fierceness that could be great for the character. Yellowjackets has also proven her skill for dialogue and fast comedy, while her work in Army of the Dead could be useful for any action setpieces. At 27, she would be on the younger side for Moneypenny casting. However, if Bond 26 is to go for a younger Bond, then she would be a perfect fit and someone who could stay in the role for years.
6 Emilia Jones Is Ready For A Massive Franchise
CODA
British actor Emilia Jones has been on the rise for several years with the Netflix show Locke & Key and the best picture-winning film CODA. She is an incredible actor and one with a wide range. Now that she is aging out of teen roles, Moneypenny could be a great step into adult roles and big blockbuster filmmaking. Based on how old the James Bond actor will be, Jones could be a wonderful addition to the cast. Jones is even younger than Purnell, but she is a rising star who has what it takes to still perform in a massive franchise.
5 Havana Rose Liu Can Be A Funnier Moneypenny
Bottoms
Despite being American, Havana Rose Liu is one of the most promising young actors working today, and the Bond franchise would be lucky to get her involved in any capacity. Liu fits seamlessly into any genre, and the biggest laugh from her recent film, Bottoms, comes from just her facial expression. Liu is one of the most expressive actors working today, and she would make a lasting impact, even with just a few minutes of screen time. She could do the back-and-forth with Bond better than anyone, and if the filmmakers didn’t want Moneypenny to be American, she could do an accent to cover this up.
4 Claire Foy Brings A Star Power To Moneypenny
The Crown
Foy has been a popular choice for Moneypenny for years, and while she may be an obvious choice, she would undeniably be great. With her range, Foy could easily be a Bond girl or villain, but her icy charm and voice make her the ideal Moneypenny. The Crown showed her noble side, while more intense work like The Girl in the Spider’s Web proved her action abilities. If Bond 26 doesn’t want to go for a younger Bond, then Foy would fit right into the universe and would make a great recurring face.
3 Stephanie Hsu Can Balance Moneypenny’s Comedy & Drama
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Another American who could break tradition and be a great Moneypenny, Stephanie Hsu is an incredible comedic and dramatic talent. The Oscar-nominated actor was one of the strongest parts of Everything Everywhere All at Once, being hilarious and the emotional heart of the film. If Bond 26 wants a lighter tone, then Hsu is the best pick. Her comedic timing is incredible and her bits with both Bond and Q could be great additions to the franchise. Hsu could be similar to how Moneypenny was portrayed in the 80s and 90s, which was mousy comedic relief. An updated version of that could do wonders to set Bond 26 apart.
2 Eloise Smyth Has The Classic Moneypenny Look
Harlots
Eloise Smyth may not be a household name, but she has the perfect look for Moneypenny. Smyth shares a striking resemblance to both Lois Maxwell and Caroline Bliss, who previously had the role. The British actor is best known for her role as Lucy Wells in the show Harlots, and she is well overdue for her next great role. She is an underutilized young talent, so this could be a major breakout role for her. There’s no doubt she would make a great regular in the new Bond series.
1 Jessica Henwick Would Make Moneypenny More Action-Oriented
The Matrix Resurrections
No matter what tone or style Bond 26 takes, Jessica Henwick would make a perfect Moneypenny. She checks every box needed for the character. As a young hilarious British actor with action experience thanks to Iron Fist, The Matrix Resurrections, and Love and Monsters, Henwick has stolen almost every scene she has been in and could fit into almost any role in the Bond franchise. However, she is a talent the series should hold on to, so having her as the new Moneypenny would guarantee her commitment to Bond. Her casting could also help make Moneypenny even more action-oriented than before in Bond 26.
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