Lenny Kravitz Joins 007: First Light as Pirate King

Musician Lenny Kravitz is set to make his video game debut in 007: First Light, the upcoming James Bond title from developer IO Interactive. Kravitz has been cast as Bawma, a charismatic pirate king with a mysterious edge. The rockstar discussed his decades-long love for the Bond films and his approach to portraying a character who is more of an antihero than a traditional villain.

The game blends Hitman-style stealth-action with cinematic storytelling. Kravitz drew inspiration from his personal experiences growing up in the Bahamas and New York City to develop the character's personality and voice. He also worked closely with the art and design team to refine Bawma's visual appearance, from costume details to tattoos. IO Interactive delayed the game's release from March 27, 2026, to May 27, 2026.

IO Interactive revealed that Lenny Kravitz would be appearing in 007: First Light, not as a singer for the theme song, but as an actual character in the game. Cast as Bawma, a pirate king, Kravitz's debut promises action, intrigue, and rockstar theatrics. The character is part of the game's effort to feature villains who are larger than life, similar to those found in the novels and films.

The casting of Kravitz was driven by the need for a performer who could captivate a crowd. According to IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak, the development team realized early in the process that they needed someone with specific charisma. Abrak noted that Kravitz's ability to draw sympathy and empathy played a significant role in the decision to cast him for the role of Bawma.

A lifelong fan of the James Bond franchise, Lenny Kravitz grew up watching Roger Moore and Sean Connery films. While he appreciates the iconic theme songs—citing Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger, Wings' Live and Let Die, and Duran Duran's A View to a Kill—he approached his acting role seriously. Kravitz insisted that he is not simply playing himself or parodying campy villains from past Bond movies.

Instead, Kravitz looked inward for inspiration, drawing on his own life experiences. "I grew up in the Bahamas as well as New York City and there were guys who had [Bawma's] vibe and were doing similar things in the islands," he explained. The musician identified finding the character's voice as the most challenging aspect of the role. "It's really all in the voice," Kravitz said. "It took a moment, but eventually we found the sweet spot."

Kravitz brought his expertise as a fashion icon to the production, collaborating deeply with the IO Interactive art and design team. He provided input on Bawma's costume, which is visible in the reveal trailer. This collaboration extended to specific details such as the cut of the character's jacket and the placement of tattoos and scars, resulting in a final design that reflected Kravitz's vision.

Narratively, Bawma is positioned as a complex figure. Kravitz hinted that the character is not an outright bad guy, but rather a morally ambiguous antihero. "He's an interesting guy. We're not quite sure how he's going to turn," Kravitz stated. Hakan Abrak confirmed this direction, stating, "We wanted more than just a one-sided villain, like we wanted to have some kind of charisma." Abrak teased that Bawma has more sides to him that may prove surprising as the story unfolds.

Originally announced as "Project 007" in 2020, 007: First Light is described as blending Hitman-style stealth-action with the globetrotting cinematic shine and humor expected of a Bond adventure. While hands-on gameplay previews have not yet been released, the developers are aiming for a tone that matches the larger-than-life nature of the franchise.

Following the interviews with Kravitz and Abrak, IO Interactive announced a delay for the game. The release date was pushed back from March 27, 2026, to May 27, 2026. The game remains highly anticipated as it explores a twist on the traditional Bond story.