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Casting Director Insists Bond Remain White Male, Warns AI Threat

7/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Casting director Debbie McWilliams said at the Karlovy Vary Festival that Bond should stay a white male.
McWilliams, who cast the last 14 Bonds, has never read a Bond novel and casts from scripts.
She said the role needs a “license to kill” and a threatening aura, naming Brosnan and Craig.
McWilliams warned AI actors could become the film industry’s death knell.

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Story summary

Casting director Debbie McWilliams said at the Karlovy Vary Festival that Bond should stay a white male.
McWilliams, who cast the last 14 Bonds, has never read a Bond novel and casts from scripts.
She said the role needs a “license to kill” and a threatening aura, naming Brosnan and Craig.
McWilliams warned AI actors could become the film industry’s death knell.