IO Interactive has announced that social media influencer Khaby Lame will make an appearance in the upcoming game 007 First Light alongside James Bond. This news has raised eyebrows among some fans, not only due to Lame’s inclusion but also because the reveal came before the game’s full release, spoiling a potential surprise.
Lame is well-known for his deadpan reaction videos on TikTok, where he often uses an exasperated gesture to mock obvious situations. In 007 First Light, players will see Lame replicating this iconic gesture when Bond asks for directions while standing directly in front of a signpost.
In a video clip shared on Instagram, Bond approaches Lame for directions, only for Lame to point at the sign, which clearly displays the answer. The clip playfully suggests that Bond might have had one too many martinis.
“You will meet a familiar face in Vietnam,” IO Interactive stated. “Khaby Lame joins the cast of 007 First Light and is part of a globetrotting adventure as James Bond sets out to #EarnTheNumber. We worked closely with Khaby to get him scanned and design his outfit for this re-imagined origin story.”
Some Bond fans questioned why the cameo was revealed ahead of time. Video games industry analyst Daniel Ahmad suggested that this reveal was aimed at a different audience compared to traditional Bond fans, following a more conventional marketing approach so far.
Lame rose to social media fame over the past few years and remains the most-followed user on TikTok. Beyond his social media presence, he featured in Fortnite’s 2023 battle pass, appeared as a judge on Italia’s Got Talent, and made a cameo in the 2024 film Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Earlier this year, Lame licensed his likeness for AI reproduction for $975 million.
Over the weekend, IO Interactive released a portion of the opening mission from 007 First Light after copies of the game leaked before its official launch. The game’s early access begins today, May 26, with the full release scheduled for tomorrow, May 27.
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