Dame Helen Mirren, the revered Oscar-winning actress, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the next James Bond, stating that the iconic spy “has to be a guy” because “it just doesn’t work” otherwise, per bbc.com.
The star, known for her feminist views, clarified in an interview that while she is a “profound feminist,” she believes the character must stay male to honour the franchise’s legacy.
Her opinion is echoed by former 007, Pierce Brosnan, who told the same publication that he is excited to “see a whole new exuberance and life for this character” with a new male actor. Brosnan, who starred in four Bond films from 1995’s GoldenEye to 2002’s Die Another Day, is currently starring alongside Mirren in the upcoming film “The Thursday Murder Club”.
The comments come amid a fresh wave of speculation as Amazon MGM Studios, which recently acquired the franchise, plans a “fresh” take on the spy series. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is set to write the 26th film. While producers have vowed to honour the character’s legacy, talk about a potential female Bond has been a hot topic for years. Even Halle Berry, who played Bond girl Jinx Johnson in Die Another Day, expressed skepticism about a woman taking on the role.
While no casting decisions have been announced, rumours are swirling that British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton are frontrunners for the coveted part.
•Featured image by Getty Images
