Pierce Brosnan ‘Interested’ in Revisiting James Bond Role
Pierce Brosnan, the suave Irishman who embodied James Bond across four movies between 1995 and 2002, has hinted at an openness to reprising the role. In a candid interview with GQ, the 71-year-old admitted, “Of course, how could I not be interested?”
However, the legendary and ageing actor also suggested that the franchise may be better served by passing the torch to someone a little younger.
The former 007 described the idea of reprising his role as “a rather romantic notion and idea” but acknowledged the realities of an evolving film industry. “I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, really. I think so,” he added.
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The Changing Landscape of Bond Under Amazon
Brosnan’s comments arrive at a moment of flux for the Bond franchise. The long-running series, once firmly under the stewardship of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, is now poised for a new chapter following Amazon MGM’s controlling takeover of Bond production.
This shift has reignited speculation over who will step into the role next, with no official casting announcements made since Daniel Craig’s swan song in No Time to Die (2021).
Rumours surrounding potential successors have swirled for years, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson frequently among the bookies favorites. Reports last year suggested the Kick-Ass and Bullet Train star had even filmed the iconic gun-barrel sequence, though insiders swiftly denied any official casting.
Other names that have been thrown into the ring include James Norton, Challengers star Henry Cavill, and there’s even whispers that Barbie‘s Ken, actor Ryan Gosling, is even in with a shout. Idris Elba has ruled himself out, citing racist concerns from traditionalists who don’t want change.
Traditionally, Broccoli and Wilson insisted that Bond should be in his 30-40s. However, with Amazon MGM now steering the franchise’s future, the established rules could be rewritten and early favorite Tom Hardy, who had fallen in the bookies betting, might now be a serious consideration.
An Actor at Peace with His Choices
Despite the nostalgia surrounding his tenure as 007, Pierce Brosnan appears content with where his career stands today. Reflecting on his craft, he shared, “I’ve always lived an artistic life. So I’ve always had the good fortune to have some piece of talent that I can polish and some kind of passion for the work to go through the rough patches.”
At this stage in his career, he values the ability to be selective with his roles. “I mean, I love what I do, and certainly now at a time in my life where I have choices and, more importantly, I have the warmth and the desire to do good work, to challenge oneself, to create something that is unexpected, to create something that has value,” he said.
Whether Brosnan dons the tuxedo once more or not, which is highly unlikely, Brosnan remains a beloved figure in Bond history. And as the franchise prepares for its next chapter, his words serve as both a nod to the past and an acknowledgment that change is inevitable.
“Everything changes, everything falls apart,” Brosnan noted. “I think that it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood.” Yes, we agree, Pierce, but we thank you for your service.
