Naomie Harris Says Starring in 3 James Bond Films with Daniel Craig Was Like 'Returning to a Family Each Time' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Naomie Harris in ‘Spectre’ in 2015 and in 2025.Photo:Duhamel/Columbia/Eon/Danjaq/Mgm/Kobal/Shutterstock;Karwai Tang/Getty

Duhamel/Columbia/Eon/Danjaq/Mgm/Kobal/Shutterstock;Karwai Tang/Getty

Naomie Harrissays the cast of the most recentJames Bond moviesbecame like “family.”“It’s been a long time, but I think one of the most meaningful parts for me was just returning to a family each time, you know,” theBlack Bagstar told PEOPLE at the film’s Sunday, March 9, New York City premiere.As Harris, 48, noted, it’s been over a decade since shefirst appeared as classic 007 character Eve Moneypennyin 2012’sSkyfall. The critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated third James Bond film to starDaniel Craigas the super spy reintroduced the “Miss Moneypenny” character — frequently depicted as a bright secretary with a bit of a crush on Bond — as a spy in her own right. By the film’s end, however, Harris’ version of the character retires from fieldwork to take up her traditional post as secretary to the new M (Ralph Fiennes).Naomie Harris in ‘Skyfall’ in 2012.Columbia PicturesHarris reprised the role alongside Craig, Fiennes,Ben WhishawandRory Kinnearin the most recent two Bond films, 2015’sSpectreand 2021’sNo Time to Die, forming a special bond with her costars.“As an actor you’re usually going around the world kind of like on your own without a tribe or anything,” Harris told PEOPLE. “And then with the franchise, I finally found my tribe and my family.”Harris got to put her cinematic espionage experience to good use as Dr. Zoe Vaughan inBlack Bag. TheSteven Soderbergh-directed thriller revolves around intelligence agent George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) who is tasked with investigating his own wife, fellow spy Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett) after she is suspected of treason.But after playing Moneypenny in three 007 films, Harris’ own allegiances haven’t shifted.Naomie Harris and Daniel Craig in ‘Skyfall’ in 2012.Everett Collection“Obviously being part of the James Bond franchise, I would have to say James Bond is the ultimate spy,” she said. “I truly do believe that. I grew up watching Bond movies and I love.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.She also echoed Fassbender, who told PEOPLE that his favorite spy movie is 2006’sCasino Royale, Craig’s first outing as Bond.“In terms of my favorite movie, I think … it would beCasino Royale,” Harris said.

Naomie Harrissays the cast of the most recentJames Bond moviesbecame like “family.”

“It’s been a long time, but I think one of the most meaningful parts for me was just returning to a family each time, you know,” theBlack Bagstar told PEOPLE at the film’s Sunday, March 9, New York City premiere.

As Harris, 48, noted, it’s been over a decade since shefirst appeared as classic 007 character Eve Moneypennyin 2012’sSkyfall. The critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated third James Bond film to starDaniel Craigas the super spy reintroduced the “Miss Moneypenny” character — frequently depicted as a bright secretary with a bit of a crush on Bond — as a spy in her own right. By the film’s end, however, Harris’ version of the character retires from fieldwork to take up her traditional post as secretary to the new M (Ralph Fiennes).

Naomie Harris in ‘Skyfall’ in 2012.Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures

Harris reprised the role alongside Craig, Fiennes,Ben WhishawandRory Kinnearin the most recent two Bond films, 2015’sSpectreand 2021’sNo Time to Die, forming a special bond with her costars.

“As an actor you’re usually going around the world kind of like on your own without a tribe or anything,” Harris told PEOPLE. “And then with the franchise, I finally found my tribe and my family.”

Harris got to put her cinematic espionage experience to good use as Dr. Zoe Vaughan inBlack Bag. TheSteven Soderbergh-directed thriller revolves around intelligence agent George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) who is tasked with investigating his own wife, fellow spy Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett) after she is suspected of treason.

But after playing Moneypenny in three 007 films, Harris’ own allegiances haven’t shifted.

Naomie Harris and Daniel Craig in ‘Skyfall’ in 2012.Everett Collection

“Obviously being part of the James Bond franchise, I would have to say James Bond is the ultimate spy,” she said. “I truly do believe that. I grew up watching Bond movies and I love.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She also echoed Fassbender, who told PEOPLE that his favorite spy movie is 2006’sCasino Royale, Craig’s first outing as Bond.

“In terms of my favorite movie, I think … it would beCasino Royale,” Harris said.

source: people.com