Lana Del Rey to sing theme for new James Bond game

Lana Del Rey will voice the theme song of the new James Bond video game 007 First Light.

The title track has been written by renowned composer David Arnold, who has previously worked on five Bond films.

It marks a change in fortune for the US pop star when it comes to Bond, after writing a track for the film in 2015, only to have it rejected by producers.

007 First Light is due to be released in May this year.

In a statement, Arnold said the track would join "a long line of genre-defining songs".

"That's why I was so excited to work with Lana, an artist who brought elegance, atmosphere and her totally unique character to this piece, which I hope will open the world of Bond to a whole new audience," he added.

The song has a slow introduction, but Del Rey's classic melodic vocals draw you in.

It later ramps up at the chorus as an orchestral band packs a punch.

Speaking to the BBC in 2024, the Summertime Sadness hitmaker revealed she wrote her song 24, from her fourth album Honeymoon, for a film about the world's most famous spy.

British singer Sam Smith went on to secure the gig for 2015's Spectre with their song Writing's On The Wall, which won an Oscar.

Despite that rejection, Del Rey hoped to "one day" get another chance to be involved in the fictional world of espionage.

The 40-year-old singer will not be the first artist to record a Bond theme in a game.

In 2010, Joss Stone recorded I'll Take It All for the opening titles of James Bond 007: Blood Stone, while Everything or Nothing by Mya made it on to the 2004 game of the same name.

What we know about 007 First Light

The story - which is a standalone from the films and novels - follow a 26-year-old James Bond as he is recruited into MI6 and gains his 00 title.

It will be the first video game featuring the British spy since 2012's 007 Legends.

Development has not been smooth sailing though, with makers IO Interactive announcing a two-month delay to the release in December to "further polish" it.

Along with Del Rey, there will be other familiar names involved in the game.

Dexter: Original Sin actor Patrick Gibson will be starring in the role of 007, with the game's main villain, Bawma, being played by US singer Lenny Kravitz.

Gemma Chan, known for her performances in Transformers: The Last Knight, Crazy Rich Asians and Captain Marvel, will appear as key MI6 figure Selina Tan.

Hakan Abrak, chief executive of IO Interactive, said the return of Bond to gaming has been made "even more special" by Del Rey's song.

"It's a joy to watch two extraordinary talents like Lana Del Rey and David Arnold combine forces, the result feels instantly 'Bond' while still bringing a fresh identity for 007 First Light," he added.

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