Actor Pierce Brosnan has stated that the next James Bond should “without a doubt” be British.
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Telegraph, the former 007 star also supported the decision of the Bond franchise’s long-time producers to hand creative control to Amazon.
“It takes great courage for them to let go,” said Brosnan, who hails from Ireland. “I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity, imagination, and respect.”
The next Bond will be chosen by Amazon MGM Studios, with speculation growing over Daniel Craig’s successor. Among the frontrunners for the role are English actors James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Theo James.
Who Will Be the Next James Bond?
Although Bond has been played by two non-British actors in the past—Australian George Lazenby and Irishman Pierce Brosnan—the iconic spy has never been portrayed by an American. However, California-born Austin Butler has been suggested as a possible candidate.
Other rumored names include Irish actors Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy, and Aidan Turner, as well as Australian star Jacob Elordi. Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood once revealed he turned down the role in 1967, stating: “It didn’t feel right for me to be doing it.”
Amazon’s Takeover of Bond Franchise
Under a new deal announced last month, Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will continue as co-owners, but Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control over future films.
Brosnan, now 71, reflected on his time as Bond, saying, “History has been passed on, and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies I made with Barbara and Michael.”
The next installment in the Bond franchise remains unannounced, with no official timeline for production. Given the extensive process involved in making a blockbuster film, the wait could surpass the six-year record gap between Bond movies.
Brosnan starred as 007 in four films, from GoldenEye (1995) to Die Another Day (2002). His comments have added further intrigue to the speculation surrounding Bond’s next chapter.
