As the search for the next 007 continues, the James Bond franchise might already have found the perfect actor to play the role of M. The role of M is an important part of the James Bond movies, and it has only been played by four people in the first 25 films. The leader of MI-6 is someone who must balance both the geopolitical and national interests of Great Britain with reining in the organization’s most talented, but sometimes rogue, special agent, 007.
Traditionally in Bond movies, the M character has been someone who maintains the role even as the franchise resets with a new Bond. Judi Dench, for example, first played the role in 1995’s Goldeneye with Pierce Brosnan but continued as M when the franchise reset with Daniel Craig, beginning with 2007’s Casino Royale. With Ralph Fiennes now in the M role, that would mean a complete reboot of the entire franchise after the Daniel Craig era ended with No Time To Die. If Barbara Broccoli does decide to go that route, they have an ideal candidate ready and waiting for the role of M in the upcoming James Bond 26.
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Olivia Colman Would Be Perfect For James Bond 26’s M (& She Wants The Role)
Speaking with British Vogue, acclaimed actor Olivia Colman expressed her longstanding desire to play the role of M in the James Bond franchise. Speaking about those who have compared her to a young Judi Dench, Colman was first flattered and then immediately began making her case to jump into the 007 franchise as the head of MI-6, a role most recently played by Judi Dench and Ralph Fiennes. Her comments were equal parts enthusiasm and making a pitch for herself to play the role.
What! I’ve never heard that [she resembles Judi Dench]. Oh, I love that! Well, I’ve got short hair. Oh, my God! The amount of time I have wanted to be M. I’m not sure who I need to call… I know, I met [Barbara Broccoli] once. I wanted to go, ‘Can I be M?’ I must try to be cooler about it. Maybe she reads Vogue? Put that bit in.
Recently, Colman has shown her range across several franchises. She played Queen Elizabeth in The Crown, earning an Emmy win for her role as the British monarch. More recently, she played Chef Terri in The Bear, a small, but important role that helped solidify her ability to play a sympathetic mentor to someone who lacks direction. Also in 2023, she was cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion, an intimidating spy who is an associate of Nick Fury and other heads of government. The MCU role opens the possibility for her to be cast in more espionage parts, which James Bond can surely offer.
How Likely Is Olivia Colman’s James Bond 26 Casting?
The decision of whether to cast Olivia Colman as M in James Bond 26 surely comes down to what the shepherds of the franchise want to do with Ralph Fiennes, the most recent actor to assume the role of M. Surely they would be interested in someone as prestigious as Colman having a role in the franchise, but it will depend on what kind of continuity the franchise wants to keep as they start over with a new James Bond. Ralph Fiennes assumed the role of M after the death of Judi Dench’s M in Skyfall, and he has continued as the leader of MI-6 in the last two films and expressed willingness to stay in the role.
In addition, the James Bond role is sure to be cast before any final decisions are made on who is to play M in the next James Bond and beyond. The producers and director will want to make sure that the appropriate chemistry, camaraderie, and banter that Daniel Craig and Judi Dench shared can be replicated for the next series of films. With Dame Judi Dench and Ralph Fiennes as the two most recent actors to play M, Olivia Colman, or whoever comes next, has large shoes to fill. Someone of Colman’s prestige and versatility, however, would make the perfect M as she can adapt to any number of James Bond archetypes that might be cast.
