Lenny Kravitz has said his lifelong love of James Bond shaped his video game debut in 007: First Light, where he plays a morally ambiguous new character in IO Interactive’s upcoming spy thriller.
Lenny Kravitz has reflected on his love of the James Bond franchise as he stars in 007: First Light.
The upcoming title marks a new chapter for both the Bond series and the 61-year-old musician, with Kravitz making his video game acting debut in IO Interactive’s long-awaited spy thriller.
Kravitz plays Bawma, a charismatic pirate king whose role sits somewhere between antagonist and uneasy ally.
Speaking about the role with IGN, Kravitz framed the opportunity as a natural extension of a lifelong relationship with Bond.
He recalled: “I used to line up on the first night it would be in the theater”, pointing to his formative years watching Sir Roger Moore and Sir Sean Connery’s eras of films.
Kravitz also singled out the series’ music as a lasting influence, calling the theme songs “always epic” and pointed to classics like Goldfinger and Live and Let Die.
That reverence for Bond history feeds directly into his performance, as rather than leaning into a camp villain archetype, Kravitz said he drew inspiration from people he encountered growing up between the Bahamas and New York.
He explained: “I’ve met some folks that are … similar to his character.
“I grew up in the Bahamas as well as New York City and there were guys who had [Bawma’s] vibe and were doing similar things in the islands.
“It’s really all in the voice … eventually we found the sweet spot.”
Kravitz also contributed beyond performance, collaborating closely with the developers on Bawma’s visual design.
From wardrobe choices to tattoos and scars, the character’s look was refined through ongoing feedback with the team at IO Interactive.
Studio CEO Hakan Abrak described Bawma as deliberately complex, saying the team wanted “more than just a one-sided villain” and teasing that players may be surprised by how the character evolves.
Abrak added that ambiguity, combined with Kravitz’s natural screen presence, made him a compelling fit.
Originally slated for March, 007: First Light is now set to launch on May 27, 2026.
007: First Light star Lenny Kravitz reflects on his love for James Bond franchise
