Barbara Broccoli, who has since long been the producer of the James Bond franchise, recently clarified in an interview that the 007 character won't be played by a woman in the forthcoming rendition.
Broccoli, accomped by her half brother and fellow producer Michael G. Wilson, told Variety: "He can be of any color, but he is male."
She went on to say: "I believe we should be creating new characters for women -- strong female characters. I'm not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it. I think women are far more interesting than that."
According to Fox News, the current Bond hero, Del Craig, announced last November that he would cease to play the legendary character once he is done with the upcoming 'No Time To Die' movie that is scheduled for release in coming April.
Commenting on Del parting ways with the franchise, Broccoli said: "I'm in total denial. I've accepted what Del has said, but I'm still in denial. It's too traumatic for me."
Fox News reported last July that the British Actress Lashana Lynch could possibly star in the 2020 Bond flick, but such speculations were dispelled once the trailer for the movie was brought out last December.
( With inputs from ANI )