NewKerala.com

Key Points

Helen Mirren believes James Bond should remain male despite calls for a female 007. She advocates for original female spy characters instead. Pierce Brosnan, a former Bond, also supports keeping the role male. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios is developing the next Bond film with Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored as a top contender.

Key Points: Helen Mirren Says James Bond Must Remain Male Amid Gender Debate

  • Mirren opposes gender-swapping Bond but supports female-led spy films
  • Pierce Brosnan agrees Bond should stay male
  • Amazon MGM Studios developing new 007 film
  • Aaron Taylor-Johnson leads next Bond casting rumors
2 min read

Helen Mirren shares why James Bond must stay a man

Oscar winner Helen Mirren insists James Bond should stay a man while supporting female-led spy films. Pierce Brosnan agrees.

"James Bond is a bloke. There’s room for a great movie about a great female agent, but James Bond is James Bond. – Helen Mirren"

Los Angeles, Aug 18

Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren has said that James Bond must stay a man amid growing rumours the spy may change gender after Amazon MGM Studios took ownership of the franchise.

The 80-year-old actress was asked if it was time for a female 007, ahead of the release of her new film The Thursday Night Murder Club next week, amid growing rumours the spy may change gender after Amazon MGM Studios took ownership of the franchise.

Mirren was quoted by the Daily Star Sunday replying: “No, it wouldn’t work. There have been some amazing women who’ve worked in the secret services with incredible courage, but James Bond is a bloke.”

“There’s room for a great movie about a great female agent, but James Bond is James Bond.”

The debate is still raging over who will next play 007 after Daniel Craig stepped down from the role following his final outing in No Time To Die in 2021, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

It featured Lashana Lynch as the first female agent to be given the 007 designation.

Producers have confirmed a new film is in development under Amazon MGM Studios, announced earlier this year.

Pierce Brosnan, 72, who portrayed Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, has also spoken about the casting.

The Irish actor told Saga magazine: “Oh, I think it has to be a man.”

He added when asked for his advice to whoever takes on the role next: “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’.”

Speculation over who will become the next Bond has included Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, known for Kick-Ass, as a frontrunner for the role.

Idris Elba, 51, Theo James, 39, and James Norton, 39, have also been named as possible candidates.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
As a woman, I'd rather see original female spy stories than a gender-swapped Bond. Hollywood should learn from our Indian cinema - we have powerful female leads without changing male icons.
V
Vikram M
Bond represents a certain British masculinity that's part of his charm. But if they want diversity, why not consider an Indian-origin actor like Dev Patel? That would be groundbreaking!
P
Priya S
While I respect Mirren's opinion, times are changing. If Sherlock can be female (in Enola Holmes), why not Bond? But they must do it right - not just for tokenism. The character's essence should remain.
S
Sarah B
As someone who grew up watching Bond films in India, the character is deeply tied to masculinity. But I'd love to see more films like Atomic Blonde that create new female spy icons instead.
K
Karthik V
Honestly tired of this debate. Bond should remain male, but Hollywood should invest in new female-led franchises. Look how successful Wonder Woman was! Quality storytelling matters more than forced changes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50