Pierce Brosnan, who portrayed James Bond in four films from GoldenEye in 1995 through Die Another Day in 2002, recently shared his views on who should take on the iconic role next. Now 72, Brosnan remains proud of his time as 007 but prefers to watch the franchise’s evolution from the sidelines, expressing excitement about the actor who will soon step into Bond’s shoes.
Speaking to Saga Magazine via the BBC, Brosnan said he is enthusiastic about the next era of the character and supportive of the new actor’s opportunity. He said,
“I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving. And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: ‘Show us what you’re going to do.’”
In a recent interview with the Telegraph, Brosnan also emphasized that the next James Bond should be British, underscoring his belief that the role’s heritage is closely tied to its national origin. For him, this is an essential and unquestioned aspect of casting the character going forward.
Helen Mirren’s View on Bond’s Identity
Dame Helen Mirren, who joined Brosnan for the discussion, offered her own perspective on the role’s future. Despite her strong feminist stance, Mirren insists that James Bond must remain a man. She explained,
“I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work,”
adding,
“James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.”
Though Mirren never appeared in a Bond film, her family has a connection to the franchise; her cousin, Tania Mallet, played Tilly Masterson in the 1964 classic Goldfinger. More recently, Mirren stars as a spy named Elizabeth in Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, scheduled to debut in theaters on August 22 and stream starting August 28.
Ongoing Changes in the James Bond Franchise
The remarks from Brosnan and Mirren come amid significant developments as Amazon MGM takes creative leadership of the Bond series alongside veteran producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. This transition marks a promising new chapter for the franchise.
Notably, acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, will helm the upcoming Bond film, while Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is crafting the screenplay. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are also involved, indicating a fresh direction for the legendary spy saga.
Who Is Likely to Become the Next 007?
Since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021, speculation about the next James Bond has been intense. Leading contenders frequently named include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Hardy, and Henry Cavill. However, the producers have yet to confirm who will inherit the role.
Until an official announcement, both fans and former Bond actors like Brosnan await the decision. The next Bond will soon take up the mantle to deliver the memorable introduction that has defined the character: “Bond. James Bond.”
