Lenny Kravitz Joins 007 First Light as the Game’s Main Villain

Image via IO Interactive

IO Interactive has officially announced one of the biggest surprises related to 007 First Light—Grammy-winning music star Lenny Kravitz is taking on the role of the game's main villain. The reveal happened at The Game Awards, offering fans their first glimpse of the character who will oppose the latest version of James Bond in the series.

Lenny Kravitz Takes on the Role of Bawma

Kravitz, known globally for hits like Are You Gonna Go My Way, Fly Away, and American Woman, will portray Bawma, a powerful black-market kingpin who dominates the Western Hemisphere’s criminal underworld.

According to IO Interactive’s character description:

“He rose from nothing, broke free, and built his own Kingdom of Aleph.”

Bawma is portrayed as a charismatic but volatile figure who creates fear, loyalty, and complete control. Despite being widely recognised as a music legend, Kravitz has a strong acting resume, including supporting roles in The Hunger Games, Precious, and Shotgun Wedding, making this his most significant gaming performance to date.

Bawma’s Chilling Introduction

The reveal trailer provides a tense glimpse into the villain's ruthless personality. In a dramatic monologue, Kravitz's character declares:

“I have built Aleph with my will, my blood, my whole self. This city is an extension of my being… But today it became infected.”

The trailer ends with Bond hanging upside down above a pit full of crocodiles, while Bawma coldly executes another victim. It's a striking start that sets the stage for a darker, more unpredictable Bond villain.

007 First Light New Bond, New Story An Origin Tale Begins

007 First Light is the beginning of James Bond's journey, following a young 26-year-old agent named Patrick Gibson as he undertakes his first important mission for MI6. Whether he succeeds or not will decide if he gets the famous 00 designation. Gemma Chan, known for her roles in Eternals and Crazy Rich Asians, plays Dr. Selina Tan, an expert in psychology and game theory at MI6. Her character plays a key role in helping Bond grow into a full-fledged 00 agent.

Casting Lenny Kravitz as the villain is a bold choice—and might be the first time a top musician steps into a main antagonist role in a Bond game. It brings even more famous talent to a project that's already aiming to reshape the classic spy's beginning years.

007 First Light arrives on March 27, 2026, for PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders are now available.