Lenny Kravitz Joins James Bond Universe as Villain in 007: First Light Video Game
Lenny Kravitz is stepping into the James Bond universe, not as a musical contributor, but as a full-fledged antagonist. The musician and actor has been cast as the primary villain in 007: First Light, an upcoming story-driven video game that reimagines the origins of a younger James Bond.
The casting was revealed Thursday night at the Game Awards, where Kravitz appeared in person to introduce his character, Bawma. Described as a powerful and enigmatic figure, Bawma is the leader of Aleph, a vast black-market organization operating across the Western Hemisphere. According to Kravitz, the character is “as charismatic as he is unpredictable,” a man who “rose from nothing, broke free, and built his own kingdom.”
Developed as a third-person action-adventure title, 007: First Light will explore the early career of a 26-year-old Bond, portrayed by actor Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin). The game aims to retell Bond’s formative years, placing players in the role of a newly recruited operative navigating espionage, combat, and moral ambiguity long before earning his legendary 007 status.
The first trailer, unveiled alongside the casting announcement, positions Bawma as a formidable and philosophical adversary. In contrast to traditional Bond villains driven solely by conquest or ideology, Bawma is framed as a self-made power broker whose authority was forged through survival rather than inheritance. Kravitz’s portrayal leans into that complexity, presenting a character motivated not only by control but by a deeply personal sense of purpose.
“The Bond franchise has such an incredible legacy in video games,” Kravitz said in a statement following the announcement. “To step into it with a brand-new character like Bawma is amazing. He’s magnetic and dangerous, but there’s also heart there. He’s not just a man with power, he’s a man who had to fight for every inch of it.”
007: First Light marks a significant entry in the Bond gaming canon, which has spanned decades and platforms, from GoldenEye 007 to more recent cinematic adaptations. The new title is positioned as a reboot rather than a continuation, giving developers creative freedom to reshape Bond’s mythology for a new generation of players.
The supporting cast further reinforces the game’s cinematic ambitions. Alongside Kravitz and Gibson, the ensemble includes Gemma Chan, Priyanga Burford, Lennie James, Noémie Nakai, Kiera Lester, and Alastair Mackenzie. While specific character details remain under wraps, the casting suggests a story driven as much by performance as by gameplay mechanics.
Though Kravitz is best known for his four-decade music career, his involvement in 007: First Light continues a steady expansion into acting. He previously appeared as Cinna in The Hunger Games franchise and has taken on smaller roles across film and television, including a recent appearance in the 2024 black comedy The Trainer. His casting as a Bond villain represents his most prominent acting role in years and one that taps into his long-standing cultural persona as both icon and outsider.
The game is expected to launch in 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. An exact release date has not yet been announced.
