From Bridgerton to Bond Girl? Simone Ashley Wants to Shake Up 007
Few actresses have had a career ascent quite like Simone Ashley. Rising to international prominence as the no-nonsense Viscountess Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, she has captivated audiences with her sharp wit, commanding presence, and effortless charm.
With an undeniable screen presence and a growing portfolio that spans period drama and contemporary cinema, Ashley is now setting her sights on something even more daring—stepping into the world of James Bond.
A Bond Girl for the Modern Age
Now, Ashley has thrown her hat into the 007 ring, revealing in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar that she dreams of becoming a Bond girl. “I would love to be a Bond girl,” she declared, with the kind of confidence that suggests she’s already mentally packing her bags for Pinewood Studios.
“I grew up watching all the Bond movies – that was really a part of my childhood. I always imagined myself doing something like that.”
She’s right. Bond movies are, above all else, about spectacle—elegance fused with adrenaline—and Ashley, with her natural grace and athleticism, would be a seamless fit. More to the point, she’s aware of the franchise’s need to evolve.
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“I think it would be great to see an Indian Bond girl, as well,” she added. And who could argue?
While the role of the Bond girl has traditionally been tied to Bond’s bed, recent movies have showcased women as a force in her own right. With her screen presence, Ashley would show more progress, bringing a fresh and compelling take to iconic Bond girls.
Simone Ashley is More Than Just Action
Unlike so many who fall into action roles by chance, Ashley is actively seeking them out—a crucial distinction when considering who can convincingly hold their own in a Bond movie. That doesn’t mean she’s solely drawn to high-octane thrills, but her admiration for Kill Bill offers perhaps the clearest insight into where she sees her future.
“That movie inspired me to go and chase my dreams,” she said. “I just thought, Uma Thurman playing that kind of character – as a young girl watching that, it was really inspirational.” And I’m sure we can all agree there!
For now, Ashley’s immediate focus is Picture This, a rom-com in which she plays Pia, a photographer whose love life spirals into comedic chaos after a tarot reader predicts her next five dates will lead to true love. The project also marks her debut as a producer—another indication that Ashley is actively shaping her roles.
Bond Girls Who Look Back—And Why Ashley Won’t
Of course, should she ever land a Bond girl role, she might later have to pretend it never happened. Just ask Rosamund Pike, who is now trying to disown her Bond girl past after starring in Die Another Day back in 2002.
There must be some regret in the air, because Quantum of Solace Bond girl, Gemma Arterton has also recently changed her tune about Bond girl fame, after it helped launch her career. Such protestations always arrive with a hint of revisionism, because they were only happy enough to sign on when they weren’t household names.
Simone Ashley, however, seems unlikely to fall into that camp. With her combination of ambition, talent, and of course natural beauty, she has all the makings of a stunning Bond girl – one for the modern age. If she does land her dream role, maybe a risqué Bond girl name such as Jasmine Blaze would be fitting: a hint of exotic allure, a spark of danger, and just enough heat to leave 007 feeling the burn.
