The debate over the future of James Bond has ignited once more, and this time, two of Britain’s most respected actors have added fuel to the fire. On August 18, 2025, Oscar winner Helen Mirren and former 007 star Pierce Brosnan publicly declared that the next iteration of the iconic spy should remain male. Their comments, made during a candid interview with Saga Magazine to promote their latest film, The Thursday Murder Club, have reverberated across the entertainment world, sparking discussion about tradition, gender, and the evolving identity of one of cinema’s most enduring characters.
Mirren, never one to shy away from controversy, was unequivocal in her stance. “I’m such a feminist,” she began, before drawing a firm line in the sand: “But you can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.” According to Saga Magazine, Mirren emphasized that her support for women’s rights is unwavering, but the character’s essence is rooted in his masculinity. Brosnan, who played Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, echoed her sentiment, expressing excitement for the next male actor to step into the role. “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,” he said, reflecting fondly on his own tenure. “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.’”
This isn’t the first time either actor has weighed in on the franchise’s gender politics. Mirren has previously criticized the Bond films for their portrayal of women, telling The Standard that “the whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism.” Brosnan, too, has acknowledged the franchise’s problematic history, telling People, “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.”
Interestingly, Brosnan’s current position marks a notable shift. Back in 2019, he described the idea of a female Bond as “exhilarating” and urged producers to “put a woman up there.” Now, as Amazon MGM Studios prepares to relaunch the franchise, Brosnan insists the character’s cultural identity is inseparable from his gender. Mirren, for her part, clarified that her stance doesn’t weaken her feminist convictions. “So many women have worked in that world. Is it more realistic to show them? Absolutely. But Bond is fantasy, not realism,” she explained, arguing that the spy’s persona is a unique product of cinematic tradition.
The debate comes at a pivotal moment for the Bond franchise. Earlier this year, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson for a staggering $1 billion. The studio has tapped acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve to helm the upcoming film, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight tasked with writing the screenplay. Knight, a self-professed Bond fan, recently told Saga Magazine that he hopes to “produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.”
Speculation over who will inherit the tuxedo is at fever pitch. Among the rumored frontrunners are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson, and Callum Turner. Other names in the mix include Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page, James Norton, Theo James, and Paul Mescal. While no official casting announcement has been made, reports suggest that the producers are seeking a British male actor in his 30s—consistent with the character’s traditional profile. British actor Scott Rose-Marsh has reportedly screen-tested for the role, adding yet another name to the swirling rumor mill.
The conversation about gender in the Bond universe has grown more complex in recent years. During Daniel Craig’s tenure, which ended with 2021’s No Time to Die, the franchise made strides in improving the depth and agency of its female characters. Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) and Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) became integral to Bond’s emotional arc, a marked departure from the “Bond girl” archetype of earlier decades. As Saga Magazine and People have reported, these changes aimed to address longstanding criticisms of sexism in the franchise.
Yet, even as the films have evolved, the question of whether Bond himself could—or should—be reimagined as a woman remains divisive. Halle Berry, who played Jinx in Die Another Day, weighed in at a recent Cannes Film Festival press conference. “In 2025, it’s nice to say, ‘Oh, she should be a woman.’ But I don’t really know if I think that’s the right thing to do,” she said, voicing a cautious skepticism shared by both Mirren and Brosnan.
Some argue that Bond’s identity is so entwined with his gender that a female 007 would be an entirely different character. “Bond is a male character in the source material, and the entire character is built around him being something of a womanizer,” noted Saga Magazine. Others suggest that rather than recasting Bond, the industry should focus on creating new, equally compelling female action heroes—though, as several commentators point out, building a legacy to rival Bond’s six-decade run is no small feat.
Behind the scenes, Amazon MGM Studios appears committed to both honoring tradition and pushing boundaries. Producers Broccoli and Wilson have hinted that the forthcoming casting decision will “define the franchise for the next decade.” Knight’s script is expected to blend the familiar with the fresh, while Villeneuve’s direction promises a visually bold take on the spy’s world. As Saga Magazine put it, the studio is aiming for “a whole new exuberance and life for this character.”
For now, the debate rages on. Media outlets and fans alike continue to speculate not just about who will play Bond, but what the character should represent in an era of shifting cultural norms. With Mirren and Brosnan’s voices added to the chorus, the conversation is more charged—and more nuanced—than ever.
As the world awaits the official reveal, one thing remains certain: James Bond, whether shaken or stirred, will always be a lightning rod for questions about identity, tradition, and change. The next chapter in his story is poised to be as unpredictable—and as fiercely debated—as any of his cinematic adventures.
