Is Margaret Qualley the next Bond girl? A look back at our top 5 favorites over the years

Margaret Qualley's performance as a Bond girl stole the show at the 2025 Academy Awards more than renditions of classic Bond theme songs, by Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye. For James Bond fans, the 2025 Academy Awards were an exciting event that included a lavish musical homage to the franchise's accomplishments. This was the biggest surprise of the evening. Margaret Qualley captivated onlookers and aroused curiosity about her possible future in the Bond series by dancing with tuxedo-clad performers while wearing a beautiful red outfit.

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Does Margaret Qualley have what it takes?

Margaret Qualley is known for Maid and The Substance, Qualley has never been part of the Bond franchise. Her significant contribution to the tribute, however, has drawn criticism. Was Hollywood implying anything more significant, or was it just a skillfully staged Oscars moment? Fans are left wondering if Margaret Qualley would be on their radar now that Amazon MGM is in charge of the series and there have been no formal casting announcements for Bond 26.

Should that be the case, Margaret Qualley would be joining a select group of Bond women who have reshaped the position throughout time. Given that Bond ladies have changed from being only romantic interests to strong, self-reliant individuals, Margaret Qualley's charm and skill may make her the ideal choice. Let's look back at five of the most memorable Bond ladies in the franchise's history as we wait for official announcements.

Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer's personal opinions and interpretations. Reader discretion is advised. If you have any opinions about which movies should be on this list, please share them with us.

5) Pussy Galore

Honor Blackman for Goldfinger 1964 (Image via X/@007)

Played by the British singer and actress Honor Blackman in the 1964 Bond movie Goldfinger. She was introduced as the head of Pussy Galore's Flying Circus, an all-female flying stream, and Auric Goldfinger's pilot. She first rejects Bond's appeal and sticks with her boss Goldfinger despite being fiercely independent and extremely talented. But during a crucial meeting with Bond, she turns over her boss and aids 007 in foiling Goldfinger's Operation Grand Slam. She survives at the end of the movie, feeling alongside Bond by parachute following Goldfinger's defeat.

4) Honey Ryder

Played by the Swiss actress and model Ursula Andress in the movie Dr. No (1962). We first see Ryder come out of the sea with a dagger strapped to her side. Her scene where she wears a white bikini is considered to be one of the most iconic scenes in the James Bond franchise. In the movie, she's a nutshell collector who lives on the island of Crab Key and inadvertently crosses Dr. No's boundaries. She is strong and doesn't exhibit fear when she is taken. Later, she helps Bond defeat Dr. No, and the two make their getaway together as his island headquarters is destroyed.

3) Jinx Johnson

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Played by the beautiful Halle Berry. Top NSA agent Jinx Johnson makes a noteworthy appearance when she first meets Bond in Cuba. She emerges from the ocean wearing an orange bikini, a nod to the previous Bond girl, Honey Ryder. Jinx is a fearless, brilliant, and superb fighter, demonstrating that she is on par with Bond and helps him in the operation against Gustav Graves. At the end of the movie, she, along with Bond, escapes with the diamonds on a helicopter after destroying Graves's plane.

2) Teresa di Vicenzo (aka Tracy Bond)

Teresa di Vicenzo (Tracy Bond) (Image via X/@jamesbondlive)

Played by British Dame Diana Rigg. Known to the younger generation for playing the smart and cunning Queen of Thorns, Olenna Tyrell, known to the older generation for playing Emma Peel and to the Bond fans, James Bond fans as Teresa di Vicenzo (aka Tracy Bond), the only woman that James Bond ever marries. Though Blofeld killed her on the wedding day, her character is loved by many. Introduced as a disturbed but independent lady who is the daughter of a mafia leader, she and Bond got close with time until her unfortunate end.

1) Vesper Lynd

Played by the ever-young Eva Green in Daniel Craig's debut Bond movie Casino Royale (2006). James Bond competes against the best in a poker tournament which includes Le Chiffre. He was being supervised by MI6 treasury agent Vesper Lynd. She is sharp-tongued and reticent at first, but she and Bond eventually fall deeply in love. Bond saves her and she saves Bond. A very classic way of falling in love with each other. It is only later on that Bond finds out about Vespar's ulterior motive. She ends up sacrificing herself by drowning in a sinking building.