Naomie Harris cast as Moneypenny in James Bond 23

Naomie Harris has been cast as the new Miss Moneypenny in the next James Bond movie. Harris, better known for her role as Tia Dalma/ Calypso in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and her roles in 28 Days Later and Ninja Assassin, will join the new cast of characters for James Bond 23; that includes Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes (whose involvement in the film is not yet officially confirmed as of the writing of this article). Judi Dench and Daniel Craig will obviously reprise their roles, as this film will act as a third chapter of the Daniel Craig James Bond series, that started with Casino Royale in 2006.

Just like M and Q, Moneypenny has been a very important character in the standard James Bond movie. While M acts as Bond's superior, Q is the techie that oftentimes exchanges punchlines with him, Moneypenny on the other hand is the staple character in the Bond movies that often flirts with him, but we never do get to see them consummate their flirtations with each other. Since Casino Royale, Moneypenny is yet to be introduced in this third chapter.



Bond 23 was suspended throughout 2010 because of MGM's financial troubles; however, following MGM's exit from bankruptcy on 21 December 2010, Bond 23 resumed pre-production and was officially given a release date of 9 November 2012 by MGM and the Broccoli family. Since then, MGM and Sony Pictures announced that the UK and Ireland release date would be brought forward to 26th October 2012, two weeks prior to the USA release date, which will remain November 9th. The film will be part of yearlong celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Dr. No and the Bond franchise. Production will start in late 2011. Bond 23 will be directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition, The Kite Runner) with a script by Bond veterans Neal Purvis and Robert Wade as well as John Logan.