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.
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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
Picture
Anora
Director
Sean Baker – Anora
Leading actress
Mikey Madison – Anora
Leading actor
Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
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.
‘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.