As the search for the next James Bond heats up, former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan has weighed in on who he believes could step into the iconic role. Brosnan, who famously portrayed the British spy in four films from 1995 to 2002, expressed his confidence in Aaron Taylor-Johnson, stating, "I think he would be very good" for the part. This endorsement comes amidst a flurry of speculation regarding potential successors to Daniel Craig, who recently departed from the franchise.
Brosnan's familiarity with Taylor-Johnson extends back to 2009 when he cast the then-teenage actor in the film The Greatest, which he executive produced. Reflecting on their collaboration, Brosnan noted, "This young man came on the set and took the space, filled the space with passion and energy. So yeah, I think if he wished it, wanted it and got it, he would be great." His enthusiasm for Taylor-Johnson is echoed by the wider industry, as the actor's name has emerged prominently in discussions around the future of Bond.
The Bond franchise is currently under new management, with Amazon MGM Studios taking control in February 2025. Brosnan expressed his support for the new team, wishing them well as they navigate the franchise's future. Alongside original stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the studio is expected to make significant decisions regarding the next installment of the beloved series.
Meanwhile, Brosnan is set to star in the upcoming Paramount+ series MobLand, where he plays Irish patriarch Conrad Harrigan. The show, which focuses on two warring London crime families, has Brosnan working alongside notable actors like Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren. Despite having only about two hours of dialogue with Hardy over the course of five months of filming, Brosnan praised his co-star, saying, "When you admire people and then they’re right there in front of you doing their thing, it just elevates your work, makes you real." Hardy also returned the compliment, calling Brosnan a "consummate pro" and a "brilliant actor."
In addition to Taylor-Johnson, another name that has entered the conversation is Stephen Graham, who has recently been added to the list of potential Bond actors by Free Bets Casino. While he is considered a long-shot with odds of 66/1, he joins a roster of contenders that includes some notable names in the industry. Theo James currently leads the pack with odds of 5/2, while Henry Cavill, once thought to be the frontrunner, now sits at 3/1.
Other actors in the mix include Jack Lowden at 4/1 and Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 5/1. The odds reflect the ongoing speculation and excitement surrounding the franchise, with various actors being considered for the role. Notably, actors like James Norton, Regé-Jean Page, and Richard Madden are also in contention, showcasing the depth of talent available for this iconic character.
At this week's CinemaCon, Amazon's head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical, Courtenay Valenti, hinted at a potential announcement regarding the future of the Bond franchise, which has fans eagerly anticipating news of who will take up the mantle next. With Brosnan's endorsement of Taylor-Johnson and the growing list of contenders, the race for the next 007 is shaping up to be an exciting one.
As the world waits for an official announcement, the buzz surrounding the casting of the next James Bond continues to grow, with fans and industry insiders alike speculating on who will ultimately don the tuxedo and embody the legendary character. Whether it be Taylor-Johnson, Graham, or another surprise contender, the future of Bond promises to be as thrilling as the films themselves.
