Former Bond girl actress Gemma Arterton isnt sure the spy franchise is ready for a female protagonist.

Isnt a female James Bond like Mary Poppins being played by a man? the actor told The Times. They talk about it, but I think people would find it too outrageous. Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition.

Arterton playedStrawberry Fields in 2008s Bond installment, Quantum of Solace. The film was Daniel Craigs second time playing James Bond and the franchises 22nd installment overall. Strawberry Fields is a consular employee who Bond seduces in Bolivia. I dont regret doing a Bond film, but I am perplexed why it has followed me around, Arterton added. I was only in the film for five minutes.

Elsewhere in the interview, the actress defined herself as really scruffy and said she was therefore surprised that [a pin-up] was the way I was viewed for a long time. It didnt sit well with me, because I really dont see myself in that way. I was doing those roles because they were the ones I was offered.

As shes gotten older, the parts have become more interesting, Arterton said. Last year, for example, she starred opposite Ian McKellen in The Critic, which was released at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 and in U.K. theaters in September 2024.

Arterton said shes spoken to McKellen since he fell onstage during a performance of Henry IV at Londons Nol Coward Theatre in June.

It was a big fall, and obviously hes an older gentleman, Arterton said. Though McKellen said at the time of the fall that he would make a full recovery, he eventually withdrew from the remaining performances of the play.

Hes taking time out to recover, Arterton continued. Hes such a Peter Pan. Hes so young at heart. It was a bit of a wake-up call.