Pierce Brosnan has responded to Helen Mirren’s recent critique regarding the James Bond franchise. Brosnan, who first donned the iconic 007 role in GoldenEye during the mid-90s, portrayed the legendary character through four films, ultimately concluding his tenure with Die Another Day in 2002. Following his departure, Daniel Craig took over the role and continued until the release of No Time to Die in 2021. With Amazon now overseeing the franchise, speculation intensifies about who will transition into the role for the upcoming Bond 26 and future installments. Notably, Mirren has never participated in a Bond film but has made a name for herself in multiple other major cinematic franchises.
In a conversation with People, Brosnan expressed his thoughts on Mirren’s critical remarks. He acknowledged her passionate stance, remarking, “she let them have it,”while explaining that they had not discussed the issue prior. Brosnan conveyed a measure of agreement with Mirren’s perspective but emphasized that the character of Bond maintains a “certain world and room to move within the proscenium arch of what”Ian Fleming originally envisioned.
She let them have it. No, we didn’t talk about that. Not at all.
Yes, there’s a certain agreement there. But there’s a certain world and room to move within the proscenium arch of what [Bond creator and author] Ian Fleming put down. So there’s always going to be conflict.
Implications for the James Bond Franchise
Mirren’s Critique on Women in Bond
Brosnan’s comments come shortly after Mirren delivered a pointed criticism of the Bond franchise in an interview with The London Standard. While she praised past 007 actors, including Brosnan and Craig, she did not hold back her discontent for the series as a whole. Mirren stated that she has “never liked the way women were portrayed in James Bond,”arguing that “the whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,”therefore overlooking the significant contributions of women in the Secret Service. Her complete remarks are as follows:
The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn’t. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond.
The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism. Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been.
If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they’re amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who’ve worked in that world.
While Brosnan does not fully endorse Mirren’s viewpoint, noting that “there’s always going to be conflict,”it is noteworthy that a former Bond actor lends some support to her critical commentary. The recent change in creative direction under Amazon’s guidance may not address these longstanding issues, many of which are rooted in the original source material. However, the franchise may be prompted to reassess its portrayal of women in light of such powerful criticisms.
Perspectives on the Critique
Bond Girls Voicing Their Experiences
Brosnan’s alignment with Mirren’s statements could be seen as a strategic move since they currently star together in the TV series MobLand, and Mirren praised him in her initial comments. Moving forward, it will be intriguing to hear the responses from Craig and other actors who have portrayed Bond characters regarding Mirren’s statements. The sexualization of Bond girls and female characters has been both prominent and controversial, and it would be enlightening to hear from those involved in the franchise about their own portrayals and experiences.
Sources: People, ScreenRant