Lenny Kravitz to star as new James Bond baddie in ‘007: First Light’

He’ll play The Pirate King Bawma opposite Patrick Gibson’s Bond

Lenny Kravitz has been announced as new James Bond baddie Bawma, The Pirate King in upcoming game 007: First Light.

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Set to launch next year, 007: First Light is a completely original origin story for James Bond. The game is being created by Hitman developers IO Interactive with the role of 007 played by Patrick Gibson.

Last night at The Game Awards it was confirmed the main villain of 007: First Light will be The Pirate King Bawma, who’ll be played by Lenny Kravitz. The “charismatic and unpredictable leader of a powerful black-market arms network” will, according to a press release, “blur the line between ally and adversary in Bond’s journey.”

Check out a first look at the Kravitz’ Bawma below:

“The Bond franchise has such an incredible legacy in video games, so to step into it with a brand-new character like Bawma is amazing,” said  Kravitz. “He’s magnetic and unpredictable, there’s danger in him, but also heart and purpose. He’s not just a man with power; he is a man who has to fight for every inch of it. Bringing that energy into 007’s world felt incredible.”

Lenny brings an extraordinary presence to 007 First Light,” added IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak. “He is a one-of-a-kind performer, with unbelievable charisma, who fits perfectly with the character of Bawma. He captured exactly what we envisioned: a formidable man who commands both fear and loyalty, which will have a profound impact on Bond’s journey into the world of espionage.”

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Kravitz and Gibson will be joined by Priyanga Burford (M), Alastair Mackenzie (Q) and Kiera Lester (Miss Moneypenny) while a crop of new characters will also be introduced in 007: First Light including Noemie Nakia’s Miss Roth and Lennie James’ John Greenway, who’s described as Bond’s mentor.

“In 007: First Light, Bond starts as a Navy air crewman, when against all odds, an audacious act of bravery propels him on MI6’s most challenging training program,” reads the game’s description. “This training coupled with his natural instinct, wits, and heart will see him grow into a fully-fledged spy.”

007: First Light is set to launch March 27, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC.

In other news, Sony has confirmed what titles will be coming to PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra this December– check out the full list here.