Mae Martin Wants to Play James Bond

In a development that has energized LGBTQ+ audiences and allies worldwide, Canadian comedian, actor, and writer Mae Martin—best known for their non-binary identity and starring role in Netflix’s psychological thriller Wayward—has expressed a sincere ambition to play James Bond, one of the most storied characters in film history. The declaration came during a recent iHeartRadio Canada interview, where Martin, known for their wit and insight, made it clear that their interest was genuine, not ironic or tongue-in-cheek.

“I don’t want people to think that this is ironic or tongue-in-cheek. This is serious: I would like to play Bond,” Martin said, adding that their take on the character would be refreshingly distinct: “He’d be sort of a feeble Bond. It’d be a different type of Bond than you’ve seen because he’d be kind of sweating and quivering and he’d be crying. His main move would be slapping people”.

The announcement has provoked both enthusiastic support and predictable backlash, with some social media users celebrating the possibility of a more emotionally complex, non-binary Bond, while others decried the idea as “woke” and insisted that 007 remain a cisgender male.

Martin’s campaign for Bond arrives at a moment when Wayward, their new Netflix series, is being recognized for its authentic, nuanced depiction of transgender and non-binary experiences. In the show, Martin plays Alex Dempsey, a trans police officer who relocates to Tall Pines, grappling with both personal and professional tensions.

During press events for Wayward, Martin emphasized the importance of trans representation in mainstream media. “Alex is desperate to conform, to fit in, and to find community,” Martin explained. “He’s seduced by the idea of a nuclear family and heteronormative masculinity, which mirrors the way cults in the ’70s promised utopia but often delivered oppression”.

The series itself is rooted in Martin’s lived experience; two of the teen characters were reportedly inspired by Martin and a childhood friend, who consulted on the show. This personal investment underscores Martin’s commitment to genuine, sensitive storytelling.

The role of James Bond has traditionally been filled by cisgender men, from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. Yet, as the entertainment industry faces calls for increased diversity and the last Bond film, No Time to Die, marked Craig’s exit in 2021, speculation about who will be the next 007 has intensified. Names like Jonathan Bailey and Luke Evans have been floated, but Martin’s entry into the conversation brings new dimensions to the debate.

Social media reactions have been swift. “A Bond I would actually watch,” wrote one TikTok user. Another commented: “Bond crying is a Bond I’m up for”. Still, detractors argue that Bond’s legacy should be preserved as it is—a stance critics say ignores the need for broader inclusivity and the fact that the franchise has evolved repeatedly over its six-decade history.

For LGBTQ+ communities, especially non-binary and transgender people, seeing someone like Martin aspire to and potentially inhabit such a universally recognized role is significant. Historically, mainstream franchises have offered limited or stereotypical representation, often relegating LGBTQ+ characters to supporting roles or plot devices. Martin’s candidacy challenges this status quo, offering the possibility of a Bond who brings authentic emotional depth and lived experience to the screen.

Martin’s advocacy for trans and non-binary visibility is not new. In addition to Wayward, they fronted Fluid: Life Beyond the Binary, a documentary exploring the realities of gender fluidity, and have spoken openly about their own journey in numerous interviews and public appearances.

The entertainment industry’s reaction has been mixed but generally positive. Colleagues from Wayward, such as Toni Collette and Sarah Gadon, have praised Martin’s artistry and leadership on set, describing them as a “unicorn” whose creativity and compassion have shaped the project’s ethos. The cast’s chemistry and support for Martin have been cited as contributing factors to the show’s success and critical acclaim.

As for the Bond franchise itself, producers have yet to comment on Martin’s remarks. However, the groundswell of public support—evidenced by online petitions and trending hashtags—suggests that the idea of a non-binary Bond is not merely a fleeting novelty but a serious proposition for the future of the series.

Whether or not Martin is ultimately cast as James Bond, their unapologetic declaration has ignited vital conversations about who gets to embody cultural icons and what it means to be truly inclusive in popular media. For many, a non-binary Bond would represent a milestone in cinematic history—a signal that the industry is ready to embrace the full spectrum of human experience.

As Martin’s star continues to rise, and Wayward earns both critical and community acclaim, their impact on representation promises to resonate far beyond the confines of any single role. For LGBTQ+ fans worldwide, Martin’s bid for Bond is more than a casting suggestion; it is a rallying cry for visibility, authenticity, and change.