The portrayal of female characters in James Bond films has undergone significant change since the franchise’s inception, reflecting broader shifts in societal attitudes toward gender roles. An actress involved with the series expressed strong disapproval of the term "Bond girl," describing it as demeaning and outdated. She noted that the label may have once seemed fitting during earlier eras of the franchise, characterized by scenes focused on bikini-clad women with minimal narrative depth, but insisted that those roles should now be recognized as performances by actresses rather than mere accessories to the lead.

Reflecting on the earlier Bond films, she emphasized the problematic nature of some portrayals, particularly drawing attention to the considerable age disparities between actors such as Roger Moore and his female co-stars. She described these casting choices as unsuitable, highlighting how such dynamics would be questioned more rigorously today.

However, she acknowledged a positive evolution over time. Female characters in later Bond films have been written with more complexity and agency, becoming integral to the plot rather than mere decorative figures. This transformation has allowed the women on screen to be portrayed as fully realized individuals, contributing more decisively to the storylines and shifting away from the stereotypical templates of the past.