Who will play the next James Bond? The top-secret casting conversations may be highly confidential, eyes only, but one former super-spy says he knows one thing for sure.
Pierce Brosnan, who played 007 from 1995 to 2002, says the actor has to be British. In fact, he calls that requirement a “given” in a new interview in the “Telegraph.”
Pierce Brosnan Worries James Bond May Become ‘Less British’
71-year-old Pierce Brosnan expressed concerns in that interview that Amazon’s takeover of the 007 franchise may result in Bond becoming less British.
“In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, [the takeover] does come with a certain lament,” Brosnan told the “Telegraph.” “I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael. It takes great courage for them to let go. They will still have a say in matters. I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect,” Brosnan added.
‘Bond Takeover’ Removes Creative Control From Family
Longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson handed over creative control of the Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios last month, when they announced a partnership with the studios.
The pair, who are half-siblings, have steered the franchise, based on Ian Fleming’s spy novels, for 30-years. That’s after inheriting it in 1995 from their father, producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli.
GettySpeculation Grows Over Who Will be the Next James Bond
Most of the actors whose names have been floated to take over the role are, in fact, British.
According to “People,” British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Regé-Jean Page, Josh O’Connor, Joe Alwyn, Theo James and Idris Elba have all been rumored to be in line to play Bond.
The “Telegraph” names British-American actor Andrew Garfield as “among the favorites for the role,” but also says Oscar Isaac, an American, Pedro Pascal, who is Chilean-American and British-born James Norton are contenders as well.
Another Former 007 Also Worries Bond Will Become Less British
Pierce Brosnan is not alone in his concerns that Amazon will make 007 less British. Timothy Dalton, who played the super-spy in “The Living Daylights” and “License to Kill,” says the new Bond must be British.
In an interview with the “Telegraph,” Dalton said, “It is one of the few wonderful stories we’ve got in film that is British. The leading character is British. We can call it our own.”
Dalton goes on to say, “I have no idea what Amazon would do with it, and I have no idea what the relationship of Amazon to the Broccolis will be. But it is a fine series of movies. I was watching it when I was young, we all were. It’s been part of our lives, so anything that threatens it is kind of sad.”
Pierce Brosnan Says He’d Love to Return as James Bond
Daniel Craig took over the James Bond role from Pierce Brosnan in 2006, appearing as Bond for the last time in 2021.
And while he’s not holding out hope to return to the role, Brosnan says he’d love to. In an interview with “GQ,” he mused, “Of course, how could I not be interested? But it’s a delicate situation now. I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, really. I think so. It’s a rather romantic notion and idea, but I think everything changes, everything falls apart.” Brosnan added, “I think that it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood.”
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Bond on Bond: Pierce Brosnan’s Non-Negotiable for Next 007