British actress Naomie Harris had to train extensively for the role of Eve — whom we later learn in the film is actually Jane MoneyPenny. Harris trained for eight months, up to five times a week in a routine that included kickboxing, and stunt falls and stunt fighting.
“And alongside that, a lot of weapons training, a lot of learning to fire rifles, handguns, Glocks, that kind of thing,” Harris has said. “Pretty intense. The most intense amount of training I’ve ever done for any movie.”
Humble Beginnings
Naomie Harris’ mom, Lisselle Kayla, gave birth to Naomie at 18; the baby’s father exited the picture early on. Kayla attended college, became a successful screenwriter, and later steered her daughter toward success. Harris studied ballet, acting school and also attended Cambridge University before her breakthrough role of Selena in the horror film 28 Days Later. Harris was later cast as Tia Dalma/Calypso in the second and third installments of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Director Sam Mendes spotted Harris when she was on stage in Danny Boyle’s West End show Frankenstein.
Harris was most recently filming Mandela: The Long Road to Freedom, in which she plays Winnie Mandela.
“I never ever thought I would be a Bond girl,” Harris told The Sun. “I certainly didn’t think I would be playing one aged 35. I didn’t think I would ever get that call but I am loving it.”
This is the 50th anniversary of the James Bond series.
