Pierce Brosnan has revealed his top requirement for the next James Bond.
The former Bond actor, 71, stated in a recent interview that it is a “given” that whoever takes on the iconic role next must be British.
Brosnan portrayed Bond from 1995 to 2002 before English actor Daniel Craig stepped into the role for the British spy franchise in 2006. Craig, now 57, made his final appearance as the legendary character in 2021.
Brosnan’s remarks follow speculation that several British actors—Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Regé-Jean Page, Josh O’Connor, Joe Alwyn, Theo James, and Idris Elba—are among the contenders to take on the role.
On February 20, it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios would assume creative control of Bond-related projects through a new joint venture with longtime franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Brosnan praised the decision, noting that it required “great courage” from Broccoli and Wilson and calling it “the right decision.”
Pierce Brosnan (Photo: PA)
“In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, [the takeover] does come with a certain lament,” he told. “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,” he added.
Reflecting on his tenure as Bond, Brosnan expressed pride in his contributions to the franchise.
“I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies that I made with Barbara and Michael. That we moved the needle, that we brought it back to life.”
Brosnan, who starred in GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002), remains one of the most recognizable actors to have played the role.
In a separate interview, Brosnan admitted he would be open to returning as Bond.
“Of course, how could I not be interested?” he told. “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.”
“I think that it’s best left to another man, really,” he continued. “Fresh blood.”
