Author Charlie Higson has taken on the role of writing new James Bond novels, bringing a fresh approach to the iconic spy series. Higson, who first encountered Bond as a child when watching the 1965 film Thunderball, acknowledges the challenge of meeting the expectations of a diverse and passionate audience.
Higson emphasizes that his goal is to deliver an engaging, entertaining story with compelling characters and memorable action sequences, rather than trying to please everyone. He likens the franchise’s appeal to that of the Mission: Impossible films, which succeed by focusing on straightforward, escapist action and thrills.
In his new Bond narrative, Higson departs from the traditional formula often employed by Ian Fleming, where M directly outlines the villain’s plan. Instead, he introduces a mystery-driven plot in which Bond gradually uncovers a sinister scheme. The story unfolds through an organization with a card-themed hierarchy—Jack, Queen, King—with Bond himself positioned as the Ace, its significance uncertain, creating a growing sense of suspense.
Beyond his writing, Higson is engaged in other Bond-related projects, including voicing the role of M in a full-cast audio adaptation of his debut Young Bond novel, SilverFin. This adaptation marks a notable departure, as it is the first fully dramatized Bond production outside of the official films.
On the topic of the character’s future, Higson expresses openness to a Black actor playing Bond, provided the actor embodies the masculine qualities traditionally associated with the role. He highlights the physicality required, noting that an actor must be convincing in both action and charisma. He points to Daniel Craig as the ideal example of a Bond who balances fighting prowess with sex appeal, contrasting this with doubts about actors like Tom Hiddleston who, according to Higson, lacked a credible physical presence.
Higson also comments on the pressures faced by Bond actors. He explains Daniel Craig’s well-known reluctance to return to the role was likely due to the exhausting demands of promoting the films, a burden also experienced by Sean Connery. Conversely, Roger Moore enjoyed the experience, as he viewed Bond as a less serious endeavor than classical stage acting.
Looking ahead to potential candidates for the next 007, Higson suggests actors like Jack Lowden and Callum Turner, both of whom have the combination of acting ability and physicality suited to the role. When asked about the possibility of Meghan Markle joining the franchise as a Bond girl, Higson admitted uncertainty, noting that while she has acting experience, she does not fit the traditional action-oriented profile associated with Bond women.
Higson’s latest novel, King Zero, was recently published and continues his exploration of thriller fiction outside the Bond series.