James Bond was “basically” a rapist in some of the early films, says new director

Bond's behaviour "wouldn't fly today", says No Time to Die helmer Cary Fukunaga.

Cary Fukunaga, the director of new Bond film No Time To Die has labelled the character a rapist, criticising some of the scenes from previous movies. One scene in particular from the franchise's history came under criticism from the director. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, the American filmmaker said: "Is it Thunderball or Goldfinger where, like, basically Sean Connery’s character rapes a woman? "She’s like 'No, no, no,' and he's like, 'Yes, yes, yes.' That wouldn’t fly today." The scene Fukunaga is referencing seems to be from 1965 Bond film Thunderball, when Sean Connery played the famous spy. In the scene, which also involves Molly Peters as nurse Patricia Fearing, Bond's advances are rejected at first by Fearing, before he forcibly kisses her. But when he nearly dies on 'The Rack', 007 says he is going to complain to the nurse's bosses. When she begs him not to tell her boss, Bond replies "Well, I suppose my silence could have a price." Fearing then backs away, saying: "You don't mean... oh no," to which Connery's character says "Oh yes" before following her into a steam room and removing her clothes. Clip via Valentino C A similarly problematic scene happens in Goldfinger, when Bond wrestles with Pussy Galore, pinning her to the ground before she succumbs to him. Producer of No Time To Die, Barbara Broccoli, said that "People are coming around – with some kicking and screaming – to accepting that stuff is no longer acceptable." No Time To Die is the first Bond film to be released since the #MeToo movement and Fukunaga has spoken about how the character will have a more respectful view of women. "You can't change Bond overnight into a different person," he said. "But you can definitely change the world around him."