
Cast of Bond 25 – Full List of Actors and Characters
The cast of Bond 25, officially titled No Time to Die, marks the final appearance of Daniel Craig as the iconic secret agent. The film brings back familiar faces from earlier Craig-era entries and introduces a roster of new actors, including Rami Malek as the villain and Lashana Lynch as the new 007. Originally slated for release in April 2020, the film arrived in cinemas in September and October 2021 after multiple pandemic‑related delays. Below is a complete breakdown of who plays whom, key characters, and how the line‑up compares to earlier Bond films.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and produced by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, No Time to Die is the 25th official Eon Productions James Bond film. Daniel Craig leads the ensemble, supported by a mix of returning and new talent. The film follows Bond after he has left active service, living in Jamaica, until an old friend asks for his help – drawing him into a confrontation with a mysterious new enemy.
With a runtime of 163 minutes, No Time to Die is the longest Bond film to date and the first to give Bond a child – a detail that significantly reshapes the character’s personal story.
Who Are the Main Cast Members of No Time to Die (Bond 25)?
James Bond – Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007.
Lyutsifer Safin – The villain with a personal vendetta.
Madeleine Swann – Bond’s love interest and mother of Mathilde.
Nomi – The new 00 agent who succeeds Bond.
- Daniel Craig returns as James Bond for his fifth and final film.
- Rami Malek plays the primary villain, Lyutsifer Safin, a masked terrorist.
- Léa Seydoux reprises her role as Madeleine Swann from Spectre, and her character’s daughter Mathilde is a key plot point.
- Lashana Lynch introduces the first Black female 00 agent, Nomi.
- Ana de Armas appears as Paloma, a CIA agent, though her role is smaller than initially speculated.
- Several actors return from Spectre: Ben Whishaw (Q), Naomie Harris (Moneypenny), Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter), Christoph Waltz (Blofeld), and Ralph Fiennes (M).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | No Time to Die (Bond 25) |
| Release Date | 30 September 2021 (UK), 8 October 2021 (US) |
| Director | Cary Joji Fukunaga |
| Lead Actor (Bond) | Daniel Craig |
| Main Villain | Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek) |
| Returning Cast from Spectre | Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes |
| New Major Cast | Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Ana de Armas |
| Runtime | 163 minutes |
Who Plays the Villain in Bond 25?
The primary antagonist of No Time to Die is Lyutsifer Safin, played by Oscar winner Rami Malek. Safin is depicted as a mysterious and dangerous figure with a dark connection to Madeleine Swann. According to character descriptions, he is a bioterrorist and scientist who seeks revenge against SPECTRE, the criminal organisation that has long opposed Bond.
Christoph Waltz returns as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Bond’s longtime nemesis. However, his role is limited – Blofeld is incarcerated for much of the film, appearing only in select scenes. Despite being absent from the main action, he remains a significant supporting villain.
Is Christoph Waltz in No Time to Die?
Yes. Waltz reprises his role from Spectre. Blofeld appears in prison, and his interactions with Bond carry weight, but he does not serve as the primary threat – that falls to Safin. The two villains are connected through the SPECTRE backstory.
Who Is Mathilde in No Time to Die?
Mathilde is the daughter of Madeleine Swann and James Bond. She is a pivotal new character, confirming that Bond has a biological child – a first for the franchise. The role is played by actress Lisa-Dorah Sonnet (also credited as Lisa-Mari Smedberg in some sources). The character appears as a young girl, and her existence reshapes Bond’s motivations and personal arc.
Mathilde is not a minor background character; she is central to the plot’s emotional core. The film makes it clear that Bond is her father, and her safety becomes his primary goal. This marks a departure from earlier films where Bond had no known children.
Who is the little girl in No Time to Die?
The little girl is Mathilde, played by Lisa-Dorah Sonnet. She appears alongside Madeleine Swann, and her relationship to Bond is gradually revealed. The film’s narrative uses Mathilde to explore Bond’s vulnerability and the possibility of a life beyond espionage.
What is the role of Lashana Lynch in Bond 25?
Lashana Lynch plays Nomi, a new 00 agent who holds the 007 designation during Bond’s retirement. Nomi is the first Black female agent to carry the 007 number in an official Eon film. Her role is both a successor and a rival to Bond, though they eventually work together. Lynch’s casting was widely discussed as a progressive step for the franchise.
How Does the Cast of Bond 25 Compare to Previous Films?
The ensemble of No Time to Die draws heavily from Spectre (Bond 24). Of the main returning cast, six actors appear in both films: Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, and Ralph Fiennes. Rory Kinnear also returns as Bill Tanner. From Skyfall (Bond 23), the characters M (Fiennes), Q (Whishaw), and Moneypenny (Harris) are present, though Skyfall’s villain (Javier Bardem) does not return.
New additions include Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Ana de Armas, and Billy Magnussen, among others. This means the cast of Bond 25 is larger than any of its immediate predecessors, with a mix of established characters and fresh faces.
While most roles are confirmed, the exact nature of Ana de Armas’s character Paloma – a CIA agent – was initially the subject of speculation. Her screen time is limited, and it remains unclear whether that character would appear in future Bond films. Given that this is Craig’s final outing, Paloma’s story likely ends here.
What Was the Release Timeline for No Time to Die?
- April 2019: Official title No Time to Die announced; main cast revealed (Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ana de Armas).
- November 2019: Trailer released; further cast details (Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, etc.) confirmed.
- March 2020: Original release postponed from April 2020 to November 2020 due to COVID‑19.
- October 2020: Further delay to April 2021.
- March 2021: Final delay to September/October 2021.
- September 2021: World premiere at Royal Albert Hall, London.
- October 2021: Wide release in the US.
The delays made No Time to Die one of the most postponed Hollywood blockbusters of the pandemic era. Its eventual release in September 2021 (UK) and October 2021 (US) followed a globally phased rollout.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Cast?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Mathilde is Madeleine Swann’s daughter and Bond’s biological child – confirmed in the film. | Whether Ana de Armas’s character Paloma returns in future films – uncertain, as this is Craig’s final Bond. |
| Christoph Waltz appears as Blofeld – confirmed but role is limited (incarcerated). | Whether Lashana Lynch’s Nomi will appear in future Bond films – not confirmed. |
| Rami Malek’s Safin is the main villain – certain. | Exact details of Safin’s backstory beyond revenge against SPECTRE – described in broad strokes in the film. |
What Is the Significance of the Cast Changes in Bond 25?
Daniel Craig’s farewell marks the end of a 15‑year, five‑film arc that began with Casino Royale (2006). The casting of Lashana Lynch as the new 007 was widely interpreted as a signal of the franchise’s evolution. Rami Malek’s Safin was developed as a villain with a personal grudge, a departure from the large‑scale conspiracies of earlier entries. Mathilde’s introduction allows the story to explore Bond’s emotional life in a way no previous film had done.
The return of Blofeld, albeit in a reduced role, maintains continuity with the SPECTRE storyline. The ensemble overall reflects a franchise in transition, honouring its past while introducing elements that could shape its future.
Where Can I Find the Full Cast List for No Time to Die?
For a complete, authoritative listing of every actor and character, the IMDb full cast and crew page is the most comprehensive resource. Wikipedia also provides a well‑sourced cast list with character names and brief role descriptions. The film distributor Odeon published a guide to the cast and characters, and an early 2019 announcement from The Indiependent covered the initial casting reveals.
“Comprehensive list of all actors and roles.”
– IMDb Full Cast & Crew
“Cast list with character names and brief role descriptions.”
– Wikipedia
“Initial announcement of cast additions like Rami Malek and Lashana Lynch.”
– The Indiependent (2019)
Who Are the Key Cast Members of Bond 25?
The principal cast of No Time to Die includes Daniel Craig as James Bond, Rami Malek as Lyutsifer Safin, Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, Lashana Lynch as Nomi, Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q, Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter, and Christoph Waltz as Blofeld. For a wider view of ensemble casts in major film franchises, see the Cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power – Full List or the update on Alita Battle Angel 2 – Release Date, Cast and Status News.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Time to Die Cast
Does Christoph Waltz appear as Blofeld in No Time to Die?
Yes, he reprises his role as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, though he is imprisoned and appears in a limited capacity.
Who are the returning cast members from Spectre?
Léa Seydoux (Madeleine Swann), Ben Whishaw (Q), Naomie Harris (Moneypenny), Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter), Christoph Waltz (Blofeld), and Ralph Fiennes (M).
How does the cast of Bond 25 compare to Skyfall?
Skyfall introduced Q, Moneypenny, and a younger M, all of whom return in No Time to Die. Key additions from Spectre onwards include Madeleine Swann and Blofeld.
Are there any cameos in No Time to Die?
No notable cameos, but several minor characters from earlier films appear (e.g., Mr. White briefly).
Who is the little girl in No Time to Die?
The little girl is Mathilde, the daughter of Madeleine Swann and James Bond, played by actress Lisa-Dorah Sonnet.