Pierce Brosnan believes it is essential for the next James Bond to be British.
In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, the former 007 star also supported the decision to grant Amazon creative control over the iconic franchise.
Brosnan, who is Irish, acknowledged the courage of long-time Bond producers in relinquishing control and expressed hope that Amazon would handle the character with “dignity, imagination, and respect.”
The choice of Daniel Craig’s successor will rest with Amazon MGM Studios, and several British actors are considered top contenders.
Among the favorites are James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Theo James.
While two non-British actors have previously taken on the role—Australian George Lazenby and Brosnan himself—007 has never been portrayed by an American.
Despite this, names such as California-born Austin Butler have been linked to the part, along with Irish actors Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy, and Aidan Turner, as well as Australian Jacob Elordi.
Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood reportedly turned down the role after Sean Connery’s departure in 1967, stating that it “didn’t feel right” for him to play Bond.
The character’s origins, as described in Ian Fleming’s novels, include a Scottish father and a Swiss mother.
Under the new agreement announced last month, Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will remain co-owners of the franchise, but Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control.
Brosnan, now 71, reflected on his time as Bond with pride, stating he was honored to have been part of the character’s legacy.
There is still no timeline for the announcement of the next Bond, nor has a release date for the next installment been set.
The last film, No Time to Die (2021), marked Daniel Craig’s departure from the role.
Given the lengthy production process for blockbuster films, the gap between No Time to Die and its successor could break the six-year record for the longest wait between Bond movies.
Brosnan, who played Bond in four films from GoldenEye (1995) to Die Another Day (2002), remains a significant figure in the franchise’s history as speculation about the next 007 continues.
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