Lenny Kravitz’s pirate king Bawma fronts the villains of IO Interactive’s bold James Bond reimagining 007 First Light

Bawmbastic

Features By Ural Garrett published 14 December 2025

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

Following the surprise announcement that Milla Jovovich is joining Hitman: World of Assassination and Gemma Chan’s upcoming turn as Selina Tan in 007 First Light, the entire energy in the room changed when Lenny Kravitz stepped onto the stage at IO Interactive’s showcase. This was fresh off the reveal of his swaggering new character, the pirate king Bawma, in the next James Bond adventure.

IOI wants to redefine how players connect to the Bond mythos in 2025 and beyond. During our conversation, Senior Licensing Producer Theuns Smit made one thing clear: Kravitz didn’t just join the world; they built part of it around him.

“Kravitz really understood the character of Bawma from the very beginning,” Smit explained. “He could carry that sense of charisma, but also be the kind of antagonist where you don’t really know where you stand with him. He’s mercurial. He demands respect and fear.”

A bold soundscape

According to Smit, the four-time Grammy winner and star of the original Hunger Games films brings such commanding presence and effortless charisma that he slips into the role as if it were written for him, instantly feeling like he belongs in Bond’s pantheon of unforgettable villains. And while Smit wouldn’t reveal just how central Bawma is to the plot, he did promise players will face plenty of “twists and turns” and urged them to experience the journey themselves.

Given Kravitz’s musical legacy and the long history of iconic Bond themes, I had to ask the obvious question: Will First Light get its own original theme song? The last time a Bond game did was back in 2010 with Joss Stone’s “I’ll Take It All” for James Bond 007: Blood Stone, and before that Mya lent her voice to the 2004 EA title James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing. Smit wouldn’t spill any secrets, but he did stress just how central music is to the overall vision for the game.

“We’re really working on elevating the full experience,” said Smit. “Games are often praised for visuals, but sound is what immerses you. We’re working with extremely talented musicians and sound designers to bring that level of musicality into the experience.”

He didn’t confirm whether a signature theme is coming, but the way he emphasized “full experience” suggests something significant is happening behind the scenes. And with an artist like Kravitz already in the building, the possibilities feel wide open.

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