The 85-year-old actress takes on the role of Cleek MacSawney in Young Bond: SilverFin
Category: Arts & Culture
Miriam Margolyes is officially joining the James Bond franchise, stepping into a gender-swapped role as Cleek MacSawney in the audio drama Young Bond: SilverFin. The announcement was made on September 23, 2026, confirming that the 85-year-old actress will portray a character originally written as male in Charlie Higson's novel.
Margolyes' character, Cleek MacSawney, is described as a "violent henchperson" working on the Scottish estate of the villain Lord Hellebore. This casting marks a notable shift in the traditionally male-dominated roles within the Bond universe, as Margolyes herself expressed enthusiasm about taking on a character that is both complex and dark. "Cleek is a violent, probably insane semi-criminal who works for Lord Hellebore on his estate in Scotland. You wouldn’t want to meet her on a dark night, that’s for sure. I do enjoy playing nasty people!" she stated.
Joining Margolyes in this audio adaptation are Harry Marcus and Christopher Nathan, with Isaac Rouse portraying the young James Bond. The adaptation aims to breathe new life into the Bond franchise by introducing more female characters, a goal emphasized by the writer and director Barnaby Edwards. He noted, "I’ve been fortunate enough to have Miriam in my life for two decades now. She’s an extraordinary human being and a phenomenal actress. When I began adapting SilverFin, I was determined to get more female characters into it. Thankfully, IFPL and Charlie Higson gave their blessing to gender-swapping the role of Cleek."
The move to include a gender-swapped character in a franchise as iconic as James Bond reflects a broader trend in the film industry to diversify narratives and roles. This shift has been particularly evident in recent years, with various adaptations and reboots seeking to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. Margolyes' casting is not just a moment of representation but also a strategic decision to attract a wider audience.
In parallel, the search for the next James Bond actor continues, with speculation swirling around potential candidates. The author Charlie Higson has voiced his thoughts on the casting process, expressing skepticism about some frontrunners. He remarked, "Whatever the answer, everyone will be very angry when they find out," highlighting the contentious nature of casting a character as beloved and examined as 007.
As the franchise prepares for its next cinematic installment, it has been confirmed that the film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on the Dune films, with Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, handling the screenplay. This new direction aims to reinvigorate the series, which has seen a shift in audience expectations and cultural relevance.
As excitement builds for the upcoming audio drama Young Bond: SilverFin, which is set to be released in October 2026, fans are also eagerly awaiting news about the next Bond film. Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that they are in the process of finalizing the cast for the new cinematic adventure, but details remain scarce. The studio has not yet announced a release date for the film, leaving fans in suspense.
In addition to Margolyes’ role, the audio drama will feature the talents of Charlotte McBurney as Wilder Lawless and Higson himself as Bond’s mentor, Michael Merriot. This full-cast audio drama aims to bring a fresh perspective to the Bond universe, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Meanwhile, the audiobook of Higson's upcoming adult James Bond novel, King Zero, is set to be released on September 24, 2026, narrated by British actor Peter Serafinowicz. This novel follows Bond as he investigates the murder of an agent in the Saudi desert, becoming embroiled in a larger conspiracy. The release of this audiobook comes at a time when the Bond franchise is exploring multiple formats and narratives, indicating a dynamic evolution of the brand.
As the anticipation grows for both the audio drama and the forthcoming film, the Bond franchise stands at a crossroads, balancing tradition with innovation. The casting choices, particularly Margolyes' gender-swapped role, signal a willingness to embrace change and broaden the scope of storytelling within the iconic series.
With the creative team in place, including Villeneuve and Knight, the next chapter of James Bond is expected to redefine the character for a modern audience. As fans await the announcement of the new Bond actor, the franchise continues to evolve, promising to deliver fresh narratives that resonate with contemporary themes and diverse audiences.
The next major release in the Bond universe, Young Bond: SilverFin, is due in October, with the audiobook adaptation of King Zero launching just days before on September 24. As the franchise pushes forward, it is uncertain how these new developments will shape the future of 007.