Naomie Harris Reflects on Her Bond Journey: “Every Film Felt Like Coming Home to Family” (Exclusive)

Naomie Harris states that the ensemble of the latest James Bond films became like “family.”

“It’s been quite a while, but I believe one of the most significant aspects for me was simply returning to a family each time, you know,” the Black Bag actress shared with PEOPLE during the film’s premiere on Sunday, March 9, in New York City.

As Harris, 48, highlighted, it has been more than ten years since she first portrayed the iconic 007 character Eve Moneypenny in 2012’s Skyfall. The critically lauded and Oscar-nominated third James Bond movie showcasing Daniel Craig as the super-spy reintroduced the “Miss Moneypenny” role — often illustrated as a clever secretary with a slight infatuation for Bond — as a spy in her own right. By the conclusion of the film, however, Harris’ interpretation of the character retires from field operations to assume her usual position as secretary to the new M (Ralph Fiennes).

Harris revisited the role alongside Craig, Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, and Rory Kinnear in the final two Bond movies, 2015’s Spectre and 2021’s No Time to Die, creating a unique bond with her fellow actors.

“As an performer, you’re typically traveling across the globe somewhat solo without a community or anything,” Harris mentioned to PEOPLE. “However, with the franchise, I ultimately discovered my community and my family.”

Harris had the opportunity to utilize her cinematic espionage expertise as Dr. Zoe Vaughan in Black Bag. The thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh centers around intelligence officer George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) who is assigned to investigate his own spouse, fellow agent Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett), after she is suspected of betrayal.

Nevertheless, after portraying Moneypenny in three 007 films, Harris’ own loyalties remain steadfast.

“Clearly being part of the James Bond franchise, I must say James Bond is the paramount spy,” she expressed. “I genuinely believe that. I grew up watching Bond films and I adore them.”

She also mirrored Fassbender’s sentiments, who informed PEOPLE that his preferred spy film is 2006’s Casino Royale, marking Craig’s initial appearance as Bond.

“Regarding my favorite film, I believe … it would have to be Casino Royale,” Harris stated.