A series of recent interviews and video releases has shed new light on the actors shaping 007 First Light. Drawing on material from the IOI Access event held last December — including the official video published last week and an earlier IGN interview — as well as February coverage from Game Informer, we’ve gathered the most interesting details and perspectives on Lenny Kravitz, Patrick Gibson and Gemma Chan in one place.
Lenny Kravitz as Bawma – Rockstar Aura, Bond Legacy
In interviews with IO Interactive and IGN, Lenny Kravitz described Bawma as radiating unmistakable rockstar flair. The character has refined taste, loves beautiful things, and carries both a rough edge and a sophisticated presence — polished and dangerous at the same time.
To shape that presence, Kravitz drew from personal experience. During his years living in The Bahamas and New York City, he encountered men with a similar magnetic aura — charismatic figures who carried authority and were involved in complicated, sometimes shadowy circles. Those impressions informed how Bawma moves and commands a scene.
Kravitz’s connection to Bond goes back decades. His earliest memories of the franchise began with Roger Moore, particularly The Spy Who Loved Me. Only later did he discover Sean Connery and the earlier films. As a teenager, he would stand in line at Bond premieres with a high school friend, immersed in the ritual of the series.
Music was central to that experience. He cited theme songs such as Nobody Does It Better, Goldfinger, Live and Let Die, and A View to a Kill as formative influences.
The production process was equally distinctive. Kravitz recorded his dialogue in a New York studio, while directors and collaborators were spread across the globe. Character development was collaborative: IO Interactive proposed elements such as the suit color, while Kravitz contributed refinements to tailoring and added details like tattoos, scars, and jewelry. The result is a character shaped by both studio direction and performer instinct.
Patrick Gibson as James Bond – Energy, Focus, Physical Credibility
Through Game Informer coverage, Patrick Gibson’s portrayal of James Bond comes into sharper focus. According to IO Interactive’s Martin Emborg, Gibson brings youthful energy and a sense of inner impatience — always pushing forward, always asking what comes next. That restlessness fits naturally with a Bond who has yet to earn his 00 status.
At the same time, Gibson can shift into seriousness and deep concentration. Emborg praised his strong comedic timing and natural likability — essential traits for balancing charm with intensity. Every Bond actor brings something personal to the role, and Gibson contributes a strong presence and the ability to carry himself with credibility.
That credibility extends to the physical dimension. 007 First Light is described as featuring visceral fights, and Gibson’s athletic condition and physical readiness reportedly reinforce the authenticity of those confrontations. In an origin story built around proving oneself, that combination of energy, focus, and physical conviction becomes central to the performance.
Gemma Chan as Selena Tan – Intelligence from Day One
In the IOI Access feature, Gemma Chan described Selena Tan as “whipsmart” and highly ambitious. From earlier materials, we already know that Tan leads MI6’s Tactical Simulations Division, overseeing the testing and refinement of recruits.
She was first introduced in her dedicated reveal trailer during last year’s Xbox Showcase, where she activates a simulation system in what appears to be a controlled training environment. The brief, slightly awkward moment in that scene added a human touch to her otherwise analytical profile.
At IOI Access, CEO Hakan Abrak emphasized that Tan will challenge Bond from his very first day in the world of espionage. Given her connection to simulations, that phrasing stands out. It could point toward a structured training framework tied to Bond’s early abilities — and possibly even to the game’s mission modifier systems. We already know that mission parameters can be adjusted through mods, similar to the evolving challenge structure seen in Hitman. Tan’s division would offer a natural narrative explanation for such changing conditions and reward-driven scenarios. While nothing beyond her official role has been confirmed, the connection feels plausible within the established mechanics.
Image credits: Lenny Kravitz & Gemma Chan (IO Interactive); Patrick Gibson (Frank Ockenfels III).
Sources:
YouTube.com – IOI Access – Behind the Scenes
YouTube.com – IGN: Lenny Kravitz On His Real Life Inspiration for Bawma – 007 First Light
YouTube.com – Exclusive: How IO Built Its Bond For 007 First Light | Game Informer
