Pierce Brosnan recently responded to Helen Mirren’s criticism of the James Bond franchise. At the New York City premiere of their new Paramount+ series on March 30, Brosnan, 71, said he agreed with Mirren, 79, who recently told The London Standard that the Bond films were “not my thing” because of how they portray women.
“She let them have it,” Brosnan said, though he added that they had not discussed her views while working together.
Brosnan, who played James Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, acknowledged that there is “a certain agreement” with Mirren’s criticisms. However, he also pointed out that Bond stories are based on what author Ian Fleming originally created, meaning there will always be some debate.
Mirren, despite admiring actors like Brosnan and Daniel Craig, has never liked the Bond films. “The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” she said, adding that real-life female spies have done incredible things and deserve their own stories.
Despite Mirren’s opinion on Bond, she and Brosnan remain friends after working together on MobLand, a new crime series that premiered on March 30.
As for the future of Bond, speculation continues about who will replace Daniel Craig, who left the role after 2021’s No Time to Die. When asked who should play the next 007, Brosnan simply said, “I wish them all well.”
