Will Ralph Fiennes Replace Judi Dench As M In SKYFALL?

Little is known about the latest James Bond adventure Skyfall, other what has been glimpsed in the well cut trailers, and what was written in the rather sparse synopsis. However, could the film be Judi Dench’s last Bond film – and is Ralph Fiennes her replacement?

Judi Dench has been with the James Bond franchise since 1995’s Goldeneye, Pierce Brosnan’s first film as the iconic spy. That film saw her replace Robert Brown as M, who played the character from 1977 to 1989. The actress is now 77 years old and it may be time for her to move on from the role of Bond’s boss.

Dench was the only actor to survive the 2005 franchise reboot, Casino Royale. Royale saw a new Bond in the form of Daniel Craig and it also did away with Miss Moneypenny and Q, two of the most famous characters in the world of James Bond. Might Skyfall provide yet another shake-up and see the Oscar-winning actress depart the series on a (all time) high?

The character of M, seems to play a major part in Skfall, as the film’s brief synopsis shows:

“Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.”

It sounds like Dench’s M may be forced to retire – or she may even be killed!

In Casino Royale Bond says to M, ‘I always thought that M was a randomly selected letter’ – Fiennes is playing an MI6 agent called Gareth Mallory – M.

This is pure speculation on my part, but if you follow the breadcrumbs, it might lead you to believe that Skyfall will see Dench pass the mantle of M over to Ralph Fiennes‘ character, Gareth Mallory.

All will be revealed when Skyfall opens next month.