The James Bond Movie Encyclopedia presents This Day in James Bond History, wishing actress Naomie Harris a very happy birthday. Harris, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Moonlight (2016), was introduced in Skyfall (2012) as Eve.
Eve is originally an MI6 field agent who is tasked with helping James Bond track down Patrice (played by Swedish actor Ola Rapace), a SPECTRE operative who has stolen the names of allied undercover agents imbedded in terrorist organizations. As Bond's guardian angel, she's armed with a sniper's rifle (shades of Grant at the gypsy camp in From Russia with Love (1963), and watches as 007 battles the baddie on the roof of a moving Turkish train. Unfortunately, she winds up shooting Bond off the roof instead. Talk about lousy shots.
However, when she's seconded to headquarters as M's new secretary, and identified as "Eve Moneypenny," she becomes one of 007's staunchest allies.
The James Bond series continuously reboots some of its main characters.
Moneypenny - a staple - has gone through her changes ever since the wonderful Lois Maxwell retired. Harris is bright, feisty, and very contemporary as the latest incarnation. I believe the new team of Harris as Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q, and Ralph Fiennes as M is a solid reboot.
Watch Naomie Harris's first videoblog from the set of Skyfall in 2012