Dame Helen Mirren has expressed her firm belief that James Bond should remain a male character. The acclaimed actress, who is 80 years old, shared her views during promotional activities for her upcoming film, The Thursday Night Murder Club, set to be released next week. As discussions intensify about the possibility of a female 007 following Amazon’s acquisition of the Bond franchise, Mirren stated, “No, it wouldn’t work,” according to the Daily Star Sunday.
Mirren acknowledged the significant contributions of women in secret services but emphasized that “James Bond is a bloke.” She suggested that while there is potential for a compelling film featuring a female agent, the iconic character of Bond should remain unchanged.
The debate over the future of the Bond franchise has gained momentum since Daniel Craig, now 56, stepped down from the role after his final performance in No Time To Die in 2021. This film introduced Lashana Lynch, who became the first female agent to hold the 007 designation, sparking discussions about gender representation in the series.
Bond Franchise Transition and Speculation
Following the £770 million deal earlier this year, which saw Amazon take control of the Bond franchise, producers confirmed that a new film is currently in development. Pierce Brosnan, who portrayed Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, also weighed in on the matter. He stated in an interview with Saga magazine, “Oh, I think it has to be a man,” and expressed excitement about the next actor stepping into the role.
Reflecting on his previous comments in 2019, when he noted that a woman taking on the role would be “exciting” and “exhilarating,” Brosnan’s recent remarks indicate a shift in his stance. He expressed his eagerness to witness the new direction for the character, saying, “I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me.”
Speculation about the next actor to play Bond has included names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, recognized for his role in Kick-Ass. Others mentioned as potential candidates are Idris Elba, 51, Theo James, 39, and James Norton, 39. The anticipation for the next Bond installment has captivated fans, especially with the recent changes in leadership.
Future Direction of the Bond Series
Earlier this year, Barbara Broccoli, 64, and Michael G. Wilson, 82, the daughter and stepson of original producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, confirmed the transition of creative control to Amazon MGM Studios. This change has prompted concerns among fans regarding the potential “Americanisation” and “woke-ification” of the British spy series, highlighting the cultural implications of the franchise’s evolution.
The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, 56, known for his work on Dune. Producing the film will be Amy Pascal, 66, and David Heyman, 62, with a screenplay crafted by Steven Knight, 65, creator of Peaky Blinders. As the franchise enters this new chapter, the question of who will embody the legendary character remains a focal point for fans and industry insiders alike.
