“We obviously don’t want to spoil anything, so there are a lot of things we’re not ready to reveal yet — and unfortunately, that also includes the villain or villainess.”
— Christian Elverdam, Chief Creative Officer at IO Interactive (TV Movie Online interview)
It’s a carefully worded sentence—and one that instantly raised eyebrows. Elverdam could’ve simply said “villain.” But he didn’t. He chose to explicitly mention both villain or villainess. Was that just inclusive phrasing to keep all options open? Or was it a subtle hint at something already decided behind the scenes?
Either way, in the world of Bond—where female masterminds have been almost nonexistent—that one line suddenly feels loaded with possibility.
A History of Henchwomen, But Not Masterminds
Sure, the Bond franchise has no shortage of dangerous women. From Rosa Klebb’s poisoned shoe to Xenia Onatopp’s crushing thighs, femme fatales have always had their place. But when it comes to being the main antagonist—the one pulling all the strings—only one woman has ever held the throne: Elektra King in The World Is Not Enough (1999).
Elektra was a game-changer on paper. The twist—that she wasn’t just a victim, but the true architect behind the entire plot—was genuinely clever and added emotional weight.
But as a villainess? She never quite convinced. To be honest, I already found her irritating long before the big reveal. That didn’t change once she stepped into the role of antagonist—it only highlighted how little weight she actually carried. She felt more like a spoiled manipulator than a real threat, and for all her narrative importance, she lacked the danger or charisma we usually associate with Bond’s top-tier enemies.
And since then? The series has returned to its usual formula: male megalomaniacs and global puppet masters. A wasted opportunity.
IOI’s Track Record: When Women Truly Lead the Dark Side
While the Bond films have hesitated to place a woman in the top villain role, IO Interactive has done it multiple times—and with chilling results. Their Hitman series includes several female characters who aren’t just side threats, but dominant forces in their own right. Here a few examples (pictured above):
- Yuki Yamazaki (Hitman – Hokkaido): A lawyer-turned-assassin who blends luxury with lethality. With her cold demeanor, legal cunning, and ties to global conspiracies, she radiates calm menace. Think Bond villain in full control, dressed in designer clothing.
- Andrea Martinez (Hitman 2 – Colombia): A brutal cartel boss, feared by her own soldiers. Ruthless, efficient, and unflinching in violence, she runs her corner of the cocaine empire without blinking.
- Alexa Carlisle (Hitman 3 – Dartmoor): The matriarch of a powerful family and a key figure in the secretive Providence organization. Smart, calculating, and always one move ahead, Carlisle is the kind of antagonist who makes you feel like she’s already won.
These aren’t background players—they’re scene-stealing, narrative-driving, full-blown villainesses. And IOI gave them complexity, control, and charisma. If First Light follows suit, we might be in for something truly formidable.
A Rogue’s Gallery, Not Just One Big Bad
While much of the spotlight may fall on who will ultimately challenge Bond at the top, it’s equally exciting to consider the broader spectrum of villains IOI has crafted. According to Art Director Rasmus Poulsen in an interview with Inverse, 007: First Light won’t hinge on a single antagonist:
“Absolutely, we have many characters in this game that will, again, play with the expectations of the audience. Certainly, we’ll have very memorable villains of different degrees of villainy — from more low-slung, half-charming villains to full-blown ice-cold. We have a full roster of good guys and bad guys.”
That “full roster” promises more than just a mysterious mastermind pulling strings from the shadows. It hints at a dynamic lineup of morally complex antagonists, each playing their part in shaping Bond’s journey—and challenging him in different ways.
Conclusion: A Villainess Could Redefine Bond
With 007: First Light, IO Interactive has the opportunity to do something the films have only dared once: put a villainessin the spotlight. Not a sidekick. Not a seductress. Not someone hiding behind the “real” villain. The villain. Period.
And it would be more than a twist—it would be a defining moment. This is a story about a younger Bond, shaped by the people he encounters. A female antagonist could challenge him emotionally, morally, and intellectually in a way no one else has. She wouldn’t just oppose him—she could form him.
Given IOI’s storytelling pedigree—and that loaded little quote from Elverdam—that possibility feels very real.
But what do you think?
Would a female main antagonist in First Light be a bold and welcome shift—or too far from Bond tradition? Could IOI deliver a truly convincing villainess?
Let me know in the comments or join the conversation on X/Twitter. I’d love to hear your take!
