Naomie Harris Reveals the Price of Love and Duty in “Black Bag”

Naomie Harris has long captivated audiences with her compelling performances, including her iconic portrayal of Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond films. In her latest espionage thriller, Black Bag, she takes on the role of Dr. Zoe Vaughn, a therapist working for a British intelligence agency. Her patient, Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett), is the wife of top intelligence officer George Woodhouse, played by Michael Fassbender. As the line between loyalty and betrayal blurs, Zoe finds herself in a precarious position, accused of treason in a world where the stakes are high and trust is a luxury.

Harris spoke with Taji Mag about her role in Black Bag, the challenges of playing a therapist in an unpredictable world, and the complex dynamics of espionage. We also asked her about the tension between love and duty in this high-stakes scenario, and what a James Bond spin-off starring her could look like.

Felipe Patterson (Dapper Dr Feel): What was it like playing Dr. Zoe Vaughn in a world defined by espionage and distrust?

Naomie Harris: It was a fascinating journey, honestly. Before this, I had experience as a therapy patient, but I didn’t really understand the nuances of being a therapist. So, I worked closely with a clinical psychologist to get a feel for the mindset and language of therapists. But what I found most interesting is that Zoe doesn’t operate like a traditional therapist. She’s unorthodox in her methods because what truly matters to her is getting results. She’s focused on maintaining the mental health of spies so they can complete their missions—whatever it takes to keep them mentally prepared, she’ll do.

DDF: Zoe’s faith plays a significant role in her moral compass. How does her faith influence her actions?

NH: Zoe’s faith is her anchor in a world where everything is shrouded in deception. In espionage, it’s hard to know who to trust, which way is up or down. So, Zoe creates her own moral code, largely based on her faith, to help her navigate these challenges. It keeps her grounded and helps her understand what’s acceptable and what’s not. Her faith is her way of knowing what is right in a world that constantly blurs the lines of good and bad.

DDF: Zoe has some intense sessions with Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. How does their dynamic play into the larger story?

NH: Zoe thrives in that environment. She loves the mental challenge. The game of cat and mouse is thrilling for her—it gets her adrenaline pumping. What’s interesting is that both Zoe and Kathryn are masters of disguise, hiding their true selves, lying to each other and, at times, even to themselves. That’s where Zoe excels—navigating the facades people put up, especially in a world of espionage.

DDF: How would Zoe fare if George Woodhouse were her client?

NH: Zoe is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, so I think she would handle George with ease. He wouldn’t stand a chance! (laughs) But seriously, I think Zoe has the ability to break through any spy’s armor. She’s just that good at what she does.

DDF: In the film, there’s a game where everyone assigns resolutions to the person on their right. What resolution would you give Zoe?

NH: I would resolve for Zoe to find someone she trusts enough to be fully vulnerable with. It’s something she desperately needs, but she’s so closed off that it seems impossible for her. I think that would be a profound resolution for her to work toward.

DDF: Do you think Zoe will ever find love?

NH: I don’t think so—not in the traditional sense. If you’re constantly hiding, it’s hard to truly connect with someone. To find love, you have to reveal your true self. For Zoe, she needs someone who is intelligent, self-aware, and emotionally intelligent enough to break through her defenses. But as her job requires her to armor up, I think it would be a huge challenge for her to let anyone in.

DDF: If you were in George and Kathryn’s position, would you choose love or duty?

NH: I would choose duty. In love, you’re risking one life; in duty, you’re risking the lives of tens of thousands. It’s a matter of perspective, and the stakes are just too high in this world.

DDF: What was it like working under the direction of Steven Soderbergh?

NH: It was extraordinary. Steven is unlike any director I’ve worked with. He wears so many hats—he directs, operates the camera, and even works on lighting. He’s incredibly efficient. We’d finish a day’s shooting by 4 p.m., and he’d already be editing the footage for the next day. He had a first cut of the film by the time we wrapped. It’s unheard of, but it’s a testament to his skill and work ethic.

DDF: Any funny moments on set?

NH: Oh, definitely with Rege (Jean Page). Our characters have a lot of passion, but also hostility and tension. Off-screen, we would tease each other and play with that dynamic. It was a lot of fun. One of the funniest moments was during our first scene together— a love scene, no less. Rege reached out to me beforehand to make sure I was comfortable, offering an intimacy coordinator if I wanted one. He was so thoughtful, and it instantly made me feel at ease. After all that anticipation, the scene completely changed, and we ended up not being in bed together at all. But it was a great bonding experience.

DDF: So, what would a Moneypenny spin-off starring you look like?

NH: Oh wow, that’s an interesting question. I would probably pitch it to Barry Jenkins, actually. When I worked with him on Moonlight, he said he wanted to do a Moneypenny spin-off. He even pitched it to Barbara Broccoli, but she didn’t bite. With Amazon now involved, though, maybe there’s a chance. I’d love to see Moneypenny get her own story. There’s so much more to explore with her.

As for Black Bag, Zoe Vaughn’s journey through the murky waters of espionage, trust, and relationships will keep audiences on edge. A film that blends suspense with deep personal conflict, Black Bag showcases Harris in a role that proves just how versatile she is. With a stellar cast and an unpredictable storyline, this is one thriller you won’t want to miss.