Who Is in the Cast of No Time to Die?
No Time to Die (2021) is the 25th James Bond film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, with Daniel Craig in his fifth and final outing as James Bond. The core cast is anchored by returning series regulars and several new characters, including Lashana Lynch as Nomi and Ana de Armas as Paloma.
Here is a quick at-a-glance look at the principal players.
Key Insights About the Cast
- Daniel Craig’s final performance as Bond influences the entire cast dynamic.
- Lashana Lynch’s Nomi marks the first female 007 in the franchise.
- Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine becomes the first Bond love interest to appear in two consecutive films.
- Rami Malek’s Safin is a rare villain with a personal, non-Spectre motive.
- Ana de Armas’ Paloma was widely praised as a scene-stealing side character.
Fast Facts About No Time to Die
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2021 (cinemas) |
| Director | Cary Joji Fukunaga |
| Theme Song | Billie Eilish |
| Main Cast Count | 10+ credited main actors |
| Returning from previous Bond | 6 actors (Craig, Whishaw, Harris, Waltz, Fiennes, Wright) |
| Newcomers to Bond | Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Ana de Armas, Billy Magnussen, David Dencik |
Who Plays James Bond in No Time to Die?
Daniel Craig’s Final Performance as 007
Daniel Craig returns as James Bond for his fifth and final outing in the role. In the film’s opening, Bond is retired from active service but is drawn back into action. Craig’s portrayal is notably darker and more emotional, bringing closure to the arc that began with Casino Royale (2006).
The New 007: Nomi
Lashana Lynch plays Nomi, a highly skilled MI6 agent who has inherited the 007 code number. She is described as competent and slightly cocky, and she initially clashes with Bond. The character represents a deliberate modernisation of the franchise, making Nomi the first woman to carry the 007 designation. According to the official James Bond website cast section, Nomi is a key new ally.
Nomi is the first female character to officially inherit the 007 code number in the James Bond film series, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s approach to the iconic designation.
Who Plays Madeleine Swann and Mathilde in No Time to Die?
Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann
Léa Seydoux returns as Madeleine Swann, the psychiatrist and Bond’s love interest who first appeared in Spectre (2015). Her past is tied to Mr. White and the Spectre organisation. Seydoux’s return marks the first time a Bond love interest has appeared in two consecutive films in the series, adding an unprecedented level of continuity. Seydoux’s role is confirmed across multiple sources, including TV Guide’s cast page and Rotten Tomatoes.
The Character of Mathilde
Mathilde is Madeleine’s daughter, and the film later reveals that she is Bond’s child. Several sources list Lisa-Dorah Sonnet as the young actress playing Mathilde, though this credit is not officially confirmed in all major cast lists. Coline Defaud appears as a younger version of Madeleine in flashback scenes, while Mathilde Bourbin plays Madeleine’s mother.
Who Sings the Theme Song for No Time to Die?
Billie Eilish: The Youngest Bond Theme Singer
Billie Eilish performed the title track “No Time to Die,” co-written with her brother Finneas. At 18, she became the youngest artist ever to record a James Bond theme song. The track won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2022. The official music video has amassed hundreds of millions of views.
No Time to Die Soundtrack Overview
The original score was composed by Hans Zimmer, who called Eilish’s song “a masterful piece that captures the emotional weight of the film.” The soundtrack album includes the theme song alongside instrumental tracks, with additional guitar work by Johnny Marr.
Billie Eilish and Finneas won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “No Time to Die,” making it the first Bond theme written and performed by siblings.
Who Is the Villain in No Time to Die?
Rami Malek as Lyutsifer Safin
Rami Malek plays Lyutsifer Safin, a mysterious and vengeful antagonist with a personal grudge against both Spectre and Bond. Malek, who won an Oscar for Bohemian Rhapsody, brings a quiet menace to the role. Safin’s weapon of choice is a DNA-targeting bioweapon called Project Heracles, which makes him a uniquely dangerous threat. According to Wikipedia, Safin is one of the few Bond villains with a motive unconnected to Spectre.
Christoph Waltz as Ernst Stavro Blofeld
Christoph Waltz returns as Ernst Stavro Blofeld from Spectre, now imprisoned at Belmarsh. His role is brief but pivotal: he provides information to Bond before being killed by Safin. Waltz is generally listed as part of the main cast, though his screen time is limited.
Safin’s bioweapon, Project Heracles, is a DNA-targeting pathogen designed to wipe out specific individuals. It represents one of the most lethal and personal threats Bond has ever faced.
When Were the Cast Announcements Made for No Time to Die?
The casting for No Time to Die unfolded over several months, with key announcements beginning in early 2019. The IMDB full cast & crew page provides comprehensive credits for the film.
- – Daniel Craig confirmed for his fifth Bond film.
- – Rami Malek cast as the villain.
- – Lashana Lynch confirmed as Nomi.
- – Ana de Armas cast as Paloma.
- – Release postponed to November 2020 due to COVID-19.
- – Billie Eilish releases the “No Time to Die” theme single.
- – World premiere in London.
- – Wide release in the US and UK.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About the Cast?
Established Information
- Daniel Craig plays James Bond.
- Rami Malek plays Lyutsifer Safin.
- Léa Seydoux plays Madeleine Swann.
- Billie Eilish sings the theme song.
Information That Remains Unclear
- The actress playing Mathilde is not officially credited in most sources; commonly referred to as Lisa-Dorah Sonnet but unconfirmed.
- The query “cast Columbo” may be a misspelling or reference to a different production; no character or actor named Columbo appears in No Time to Die.
What Does the Cast Reveal About the Film’s Place in the Bond Franchise?
No Time to Die serves as the culmination of Daniel Craig’s arc, and the cast reflects both closure and new directions. Returning allies such as M, Q, Moneypenny, and Felix Leiter provide continuity, while new characters like Nomi and Safin point toward the franchise’s future. For more on what may come next, see the latest James Bond 26 cast rumors.
The inclusion of Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine in a second film is unprecedented in the Bond series, adding emotional depth and continuity. The theme song by Billie Eilish was strategically chosen to attract a younger audience and gained critical acclaim, winning an Academy Award.
The film also brings back Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter, marking Wright’s third appearance as the CIA contact. His return connects No Time to Die to earlier Craig-era films including Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.
What Have the Cast and Crew Said About the Film?
“I think it’s really exciting to be a part of this legacy and to be playing such a complex, layered character.” For more details on the cast, you can explore the full lineup for No Time to Die at cecilia.nu.
— Lashana Lynch on Nomi, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly
“We wanted to make a Bond film that felt both classic and modern.”
— Director Cary Joji Fukunaga, official production notes
“Billie’s song is a masterful piece that captures the emotional weight of the film.”
— Hans Zimmer on the theme song, in a press statement
What Is the No Time to Die Cast All About?
The No Time to Die cast brings together returning favourites and bold new additions to create a fitting finale for Daniel Craig’s James Bond. From Lashana Lynch’s groundbreaking Nomi to Rami Malek’s chilling Safin, every character serves a purpose in closing one chapter while hinting at the next. For further reading on what comes next, check out the latest on James Bond 26 cast rumors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the No Time to Die Cast
Who plays the girl in the No Time to Die cast?
The “girl” often refers to either Léa Seydoux (Madeleine Swann) or Ana de Armas (Paloma). The younger girl character Mathilde is played by an uncredited child actor.
Is Léa Seydoux returning in No Time to Die?
Yes, Léa Seydoux returns as Madeleine Swann from Spectre.
What is the cast of No Time to Die 2021?
The 2021 film cast includes Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, and Ana de Armas, among others.
Who sings the song in No Time to Die?
Billie Eilish sings the title track “No Time to Die.”
What is the No Time to Die cast Columbo?
This likely refers to a misspelling or confusion with another production. There is no character named Columbo in No Time to Die.
Does Christoph Waltz appear in No Time to Die?
Yes, Christoph Waltz returns as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in a brief but pivotal role.
Who plays the new 007 in No Time to Die?
Lashana Lynch plays Nomi, the MI6 agent who has inherited the 007 code number.
How many main actors are in No Time to Die?
The film has 10+ credited main actors, including both returning and new cast members.
Who composed the No Time to Die score?
The original score was composed by Hans Zimmer.
Who directed No Time to Die?
The film was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.