Alright Bond fans listen up! The search for the next 007 is still on and everyone's got an opinion right? Well we just heard from a guy who knows a thing or two about being James Bond himself: Pierce Brosnan .
Pierce Brosnan Thinks the Next 007 Actor Must Absolutely Be British No Question Asked
In a recent interview Brosnan who played Bond from 1995 to 2002 made it pretty clear where he stands. He thinks it's a "given" that the next actor to step into those iconic shoes needs to be British . No ifs ands or buts. For him it's just part of the DNA of James Bond. It's like saying Superman should be from Krypton you know? Some things are just essential.
Brosnan himself is Irish technically making him one of the few non-British actors to play Bond along with Australian George Lazenby. But even with his own history he feels strongly that British is the way to go for whoever takes over from Daniel Craig.
Amazon Takes Over Bond: Brosnan Hopes for "Dignity Imagination and Respect" for 007's Future
There's been a big shake-up behind the scenes in the Bond world. Amazon MGM Studios the streaming giant is now taking creative control of the franchise in a new deal with longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. This is a huge shift after decades of Broccoli and Wilson family stewardship.
Brosnan shared his thoughts on this too. He admitted that this change of hands "does come with a certain lament". It sounds like he feels a bit of sadness seeing the Broccoli family step back from day-to-day control after so long. But he also thinks it was "the right decision" for them. He even said "It takes great courage for them to let go."
Despite the change Brosnan is hopeful. He wants Amazon to handle Bond with "dignity and imagination and respect." He knows Bond is a special character with a long history and he hopes the new folks in charge understand that.
Who Will Be Bond? Names in the Mix and Why the Wait is So Long for the Next 007 Movie
So who could be the next British actor to get the nod? There are always rumors swirling around. Some Names that have been mentioned a lot are Aaron Taylor-Johnson Theo James and James Norton. Other actors like Idris Elba Regé-Jean Page Josh O'Connor and even younger stars like Joe Alwyn have also been thrown into the mix by fans and bookmakers.
But don't expect an announcement anytime soon. It has been a while since Daniel Craig's last Bond film No Time To Die in 2021. Making a Bond movie takes time especially when you are figuring out a whole new direction for the character with new studio bosses involved. Some reports say the gap between films might even break the record for the longest wait between Bond releases.
Bond's Legacy and Brosnan's Pride: Looking Back at a 007 Era and Forward to What's Next
Brosnan played James Bond in four movies starting with GoldenEye in 1995 and ending with Die Another Day in 2002. He is proud of his time as 007. He feels like he and producers Broccoli and Wilson "moved the needle" and "brought it back to life" after a bit of a dormant period for the franchise. He added "GoldenEye was such a success that it continued and went from strength to strength."
He acknowledges that "everything changes everything falls apart". That is just the nature of things especially in the movie business. He seems at peace with handing over the reins to a new generation while hoping they respect what came before.
Even though Brosnan is looking forward he also joked in another interview that part of him would "of course" be interested in returning as Bond one day. But he knows it is time for "fresh blood" and a new actor to take on the role. He added "I think that it's best left to another man really. Fresh blood."
Key Requirements for the Next James Bond According to Pierce Brosnan:
- Must be British: Brosnan feels strongly that the next 007 actor should be from Britain or the Commonwealth.
- Handle with Dignity: Brosnan hopes Amazon will treat the Bond character and franchise with respect and care.
- Imagination and Respect: He wants the new creative team to bring fresh ideas while honoring Bond's legacy.
- Courage to Let Go: Brosnan acknowledges it takes courage for the Broccoli family to hand over creative control.
- Fresh Blood: While a return would be tempting Brosnan believes it's time for a new actor to take on the role.
The Future of 007: Will the Next James Bond Live Up to Brosnan's Legacy and Expectations?
Pierce Brosnan has set the bar high for the next James Bond in more ways than one. He wants a British actor in the role and he wants Amazon to treat the franchise right. The pressure is on for whoever becomes the next 007 to not only fill big shoes but also navigate a changing landscape for the iconic spy. Will they be able to move the needle like Brosnan did back in the 90s? Bond fans around the world are waiting to see.