Ana de Armas Explains How She Landed Her Role in James Bond

When Ana de Armas joined the cast of No Time to Die as Paloma, fans of the James Bond franchise were immediately intrigued. The Cuban-born actress, known for her breakout roles in Blade Runner 2049 and Knives Out, brought a fresh energy to the long-running spy series. But how exactly did she land one of the most talked-about roles in the film?

In a candid behind-the-scenes conversation, de Armas revealed the story of how she got the call, her preparation, and what it meant to step into the Bond universe.

A Role That Almost Didn’t Happen

According to de Armas, she didn’t initially expect to be part of No Time to Die. The Bond franchise carries a legacy of glamour, strength, and global attention—something she admits was both exciting and intimidating. But once she met with director Cary Joji Fukunaga and discussed the vision for Paloma, everything clicked.

“It wasn’t about being a typical ‘Bond girl,’” she explained. “Paloma is fun, unexpected, and completely her own character. That’s what made me want to do it.”

Preparation Behind the Scenes

Landing the role was just the beginning. De Armas went through weeks of training to prepare for her action sequences. From firearms training to choreographed fight scenes, she wanted Paloma’s presence to feel natural and authentic.

Her chemistry with Daniel Craig was also a big part of the appeal. The two had previously worked together on Knives Out, and their playful energy carried over to the Bond set.

Breaking the Mold

Fans quickly noticed that Paloma wasn’t a stereotypical Bond character. Instead of being sidelined, she stole the show during her action-packed sequences in Cuba. For de Armas, that was part of what made the experience special.

“She’s strong and capable, but also real and human,” Ana said. “That’s the kind of character I wanted to play.”

A Defining Career Moment

The role of Paloma cemented Ana de Armas as one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars. Since No Time to Die, she has continued to land high-profile roles, proving that her Bond performance was just the beginning of an incredible career trajectory.

And while fans may never forget her brief but unforgettable screen time in the Bond universe, Ana herself views it as a pivotal stepping stone. “It was an honor to be part of something so iconic,” she reflected.