Lana Del Rey to Sing Theme for James Bond Game 007 First Light
Lana Del Rey will perform the theme song for the upcoming James Bond video game 007 First Light.
The title track has been composed by David Arnold, a renowned composer who has contributed to five Bond films.
This opportunity marks a positive turn for the US pop star in relation to the Bond franchise, following her 2015 attempt to contribute a track to a Bond film which was ultimately rejected by producers.
007 First Light is scheduled for release in May this year.
In a statement, Arnold expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the song's place within the Bond legacy.
"That's why I was so excited to work with Lana, an artist who brought elegance, atmosphere and her totally unique character to this piece, which I hope will open the world of Bond to a whole new audience," he added.
In a 2024 interview with the BBC, the Summertime Sadness singer revealed that she originally wrote her song "24," from her fourth album Honeymoon, with a film about the world’s most famous spy in mind.
British singer Sam Smith secured the theme song role for the 2015 Bond film Spectre with "Writing's On The Wall," which won an Oscar.
Despite the earlier rejection, Del Rey expressed hope to be involved in the espionage world again in the future.
The 40-year-old singer will not be the first artist to record a Bond theme for a video game.
In 2010, Joss Stone recorded "I'll Take It All" for the opening titles of James Bond 007: Blood Stone, and Mya’s "Everything or Nothing" was featured in the 2004 game of the same name.
What We Know About 007 First Light
The game’s story is a standalone narrative separate from the films and novels, following a 26-year-old James Bond as he is recruited into MI6 and earns his 00 status.
This will be the first James Bond video game since 2012’s 007 Legends.
Development has faced challenges; in December, IO Interactive announced a two-month delay to the release to allow for "further polish."
Alongside Del Rey’s involvement, several notable actors will feature in the game.
Patrick Gibson, known for Dexter: Original Sin, will portray James Bond, while US singer Lenny Kravitz will play the main antagonist, Bawma.
Gemma Chan, recognized for roles in Transformers: The Last Knight, Crazy Rich Asians, and Captain Marvel, will appear as Selina Tan, a key MI6 figure.
Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive, commented on the significance of Del Rey’s contribution.
"The return of Bond to gaming has been made even more special by Lana Del Rey's song. The result feels instantly 'Bond' while still bringing a fresh identity for 007 First Light."
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