The world of James Bond is abuzz with speculation and anticipation. As Daniel Craig’s tenure as the iconic spy concluded with No Time to Die in 2021, the mantle of 007 is once again up for grabs. Amidst swirling rumors and fan debates, former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has shared his perspective on what lies ahead for the legendary franchise.
Brosnan’s Take: Keep Bond British
Pierce Brosnan, who portrayed James Bond from 1995’s GoldenEye to 2002’s Die Another Day, has been vocal about the character’s future. In a recent interview, Brosnan, who is Irish, emphasized that the next actor to don the tuxedo should be British, aligning with the character’s origins. He stated that it was a “given” that the next Bond should remain British.
This sentiment comes amid discussions about Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios, which includes the Bond franchise. According to the BBC, Brosnan expressed hope that the new custodians would handle the character with “dignity and imagination,” respecting its rich legacy.
Contenders for the Coveted Role
The speculation surrounding the next James Bond is a perennial topic among fans and media alike. According to PEOPLE, several British and Irish actors have emerged as frontrunners, each bringing a unique flair to the potential role:
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson: Known for his roles in Kick-Ass and Bullet Train, Taylor-Johnson has reportedly been offered the role, making him a top contender.
- Regé-Jean Page: The Bridgerton star’s charm and poise have made him a fan favorite. However, Page has expressed a focus on his current projects, leaving his Bond prospects uncertain.
- Joe Alwyn: Fresh from his turn as the toy-boy love interest in the latest Bridget Jones movie, the British actor has shown interest in the role, though his involvement remains speculative.
- Josh O’Connor: The Crown actor has also been considered, but his potential as Bond is still uncertain.
- Theo James: Recognized for his compelling performances, James has been mentioned in discussions, with fans and industry peers acknowledging his potential.
- Paul Mescal: The rising star has also been discussed as a potential Bond, with his strong performances gaining attention in the industry.
- Richard Madden: The Game of Thrones alum was an early candidate but has remained ambiguous about the opportunity.
- Dev Patel: While praised for his work, Patel has indicated a desire to create his own path rather than compete for Bond.
- Idris Elba: Once a long-time favorite, Elba has distanced himself from the role due to unwelcome racial conversations.
Brosnan’s Reflection and Hopes
Reflecting on his tenure as 007, Brosnan expressed pride in contributing to the franchise’s legacy: “History has been passed on and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies I made with Barbara and Michael.” He acknowledged the courage it took for longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to pass creative control to Amazon MGM Studios and expressed hope that Amazon will treat the legacy with the respect it deserves.
While the search for the next James Bond continues, Brosnan’s insights underscore the importance of honoring the character’s British roots and ensuring that the legacy of 007 thrives under new stewardship.
