As speculation over who will play the next James Bond intensifies, Dame Helen Mirren has said that whoever ends up being cast in the role, it should be a man.
James Bond 26 is the first 007 film from Amazon MGM Studios and new producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal, who took over from Bond franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Dune director Denis Villeneuve has signed on to helm the movie.
In an interview with Saga Magazine, Mirren said: “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work.
“James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.”
Mirren was speaking to Saga Magazine alongside her The Thursday Murder Club co-star Pierce Brosnan, who of course played Bond himself from 1995-2002. Brosnan agreed with Mirren, saying: “I wish them well. I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character.
“I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving. And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: ‘Show us what you’re going to do.'”
The comments come hot on the heels of a report that claimed English actor Scott Rose-Marsh recently screen-tested as James Bond for Villeneuve. Earlier this month, Spider-Man star Tom Holland broke his silence on the ongoing James Bond rumors, issuing a coy response to celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay while making a spicy fried chicken sandwich.
Kingsman star Taron Egerton has ruled himself out of the 007 role, however, insisting he isn’t a good fit. “There’s so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it,” the 35-year-old said. “I think it would be wasted on me, probably.”
Dame Helen had previously said the concept of James Bond was “born out of profound sexism,” and that women have always been an “incredibly important part” of the secret service.
Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
