At 51, Monica Bellucci is the oldest actress to play one of James Bond's love interests. At 47, Daniel Craig can do whatever he wants cinematically without anybody labeling him an "older man."
Speaking with People recently, Bellucci explained the significance of Spectre giving ol' Jimmy B. a sex partner near his own age for once.
"I had to play a Bond lady not a Bond girl because Lucia is a mature woman," Bellucci said of her character, the widow of an Italian crime boss Daniel Craig shoves out of a moving helicopter in the first 20 minutes of the film. "[Even] though she doesn't have the beauty of her youth any more, she still has her femininity and that actually is her savior."
RELATED STORY
She's also got courage in the face of death and a wicked black lace teddy, but what's more important is that Bond didn't "succumb to the charms of an older woman," as a hapless Red Bulletin reporter phrased it in a question to Craig.
"I think you mean the charms of a woman his own age," Craig responded. "We're talking about Monica Bellucci, for heaven's sake. When someone like that wants to be a Bond girl, you just count yourself lucky!"
You can say that again.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured"Now we know better."
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' ExplainedNetflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
-
The Must-Visit Hair Colorists in New York CityI trust these talented colorists implicitly.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All TimeHonestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young WomanFrom childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A TimelineWith the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, ExplainedAnd yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned ItAnd we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
