Pierce Brosnan Reverses Stance on Female James Bond: '007 Must Be Male'

A Shift in Perspective on James Bond's Gender

Pierce Brosnan, the Irish actor who portrayed James Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002, has changed his stance on the gender of the iconic character. Initially supportive of a female James Bond, Brosnan now insists that the role "has to be a man." His comments come as speculation continues about who will take over the role following Daniel Craig’s retirement after No Time to Die in 2021.

Brosnan previously expressed openness to a female Bond, even stating in a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter: “Yes! I think we’ve watched the guys do it for the last 40 years. Get out of the way, guys, and put a woman up there.” However, in a recent interview, he reversed his position, expressing excitement for the next male actor to step into the role.

“I wish (Amazon) them well. 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,” Brosnan said. He also praised Amazon’s involvement in the franchise, emphasizing his admiration for the world of James Bond and his current role as a spectator.

Support from a Co-Star

Brosnan’s co-star in The Thursday Murder Club, Dame Helen Mirren, echoed similar sentiments. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her role as Elizabeth, a retired spy, stated that while she is a feminist, she believes the next James Bond must be a man. “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.”

Mirren added that her character reflects a reality where many women have worked in the world of espionage. She described Elizabeth as a manifestation of that truth but acknowledged that Bond remains more fun than her character. “More realistic. But not so much fun as Bond!” she said.

A Broader Conversation on Representation

Mirren also emphasized the importance of older women having agency and representation in media. “The great thing about a movie like this is that it reminds everyone, as an older person I have a brain, I have agency, energy, commitment, passion and intellect. It doesn’t all stop when you’re 40.”

Her comments reflect a broader discussion about representation in film. Earlier, Mirren had argued that the James Bond character should remain male, suggesting that women deserve new leading roles rather than reworks of existing ones. She criticized the original concept of Bond as being rooted in profound sexism, noting that women have always played a significant role in the Secret Service.

New Direction for the Franchise

With Amazon MGM Studios taking creative control of the 007 character, the future of the franchise is being reimagined. Last month, the studio announced that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight would write the script for the next film, while Denis Villeneuve will direct. This marks a new chapter for the iconic series, which has captivated audiences for decades.

As the industry continues to evolve, the debate over the gender of James Bond remains a topic of interest. While some advocate for a more inclusive approach, others, like Brosnan and Mirren, believe that the essence of the character must remain intact. Whether the next Bond is male or female, the legacy of the franchise continues to shape the world of cinema and popular culture.