In light of Amazon’s recent takeover of the creative control of the James Bond franchise, Pierce Brosnan has voiced his opinion that the iconic 007 character should continue to be portrayed by British actors.
Brosnan, who played James Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002, expressed concerns about the future direction of the franchise under Amazon’s leadership. While the Bond films have traditionally featured British actors in the lead role, with the notable exceptions being the Australian George Lazenby and Brosnan himself, the actor believes that the next James Bond should remain British or at least not be an American.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Brosnan agreed with the publication’s assertion that a British actor should succeed Daniel Craig as Bond. “It’s a given,” he said, highlighting the importance of maintaining the British heritage of the character.
While discussing Amazon’s involvement, Brosnan acknowledged the rapid changes in the entertainment industry, commenting, “In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, [the takeover] does come with a certain lament.” He also added that while he anticipated Amazon’s eventual takeover, he believes it was the right decision for longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to step back. “It takes great courage for them to let go,” he remarked, but noted that they would still have a voice in the process.
Brosnan went on to express hope that Amazon would treat the legacy of the character with the respect and imagination it deserves. “I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity,” he stated.
As for potential candidates, Brosnan previously mentioned Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a strong contender for the role, calling him an excellent choice to succeed Craig. Taylor-Johnson has been widely discussed in various circles as one of the frontrunners for the role, although no official casting announcements have been made.
A recent statement from Amazon indicated that the theme for the next Bond film is still undecided, and no script has been written yet. Additionally, they assured fans that AI would not be used in the writing process of James Bond films “any time soon.”
As speculation continues to swirl around the future of the beloved franchise, fans eagerly await further news about the next chapter in the world of 007.