Pierce Brosnan, who famously portrayed James Bond from the mid-90s to the early 2000s, has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the iconic role if the opportunity arises. During a recent appearance on the TODAY show, Brosnan expressed confidence in his ability to still embody the character, stating, "I think I could get away with it, yes. In a pinch." This comment was made in response to host Savannah Guthrie's inquiry about whether he could still play the legendary secret agent.
When asked if he would want to revisit the role, Brosnan replied, "I don’t know. Let’s see where the wind takes us. Let’s see what happens. They know where to find me. Why not?" His enthusiasm for the character remains evident, despite being over two decades removed from the role.
Guthrie pointed to Brosnan's recent performance as a London gang patriarch in Guy Ritchie’s new Paramount+ series, MobLand, as evidence that he is still physically capable of taking on the demanding role of Bond. Brosnan acknowledged this, saying, "That’s very kind of you to say. There’s great things you can do with AI as well, so there you have it. [But] I’m quite content the way it is. I love MobLand, and The Thursday Murder Club is coming out sometime this year."
Since Amazon took over creative control of the Bond franchise, Brosnan has frequently been asked about its future. He has expressed his belief that any future Bond should be British, stating in an interview with The Telegraph, "It should be a given that any future Bond should be British." He has also endorsed Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a strong candidate for the next Bond, telling Yahoo Entertainment that the actor "would be great."
Brosnan currently stars in MobLand alongside Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren and is set to co-star with Mirren, Ben Kingsley, and David Tennant in Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club.
Meanwhile, the Bond franchise is undergoing significant changes behind the scenes. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have handed over the creative reins to Amazon, stirring up excitement and speculation about the future of the iconic series. Recent rumors suggest that Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón, known for films like Gravity and Roma, is in talks to direct the next Bond film.
During a recent masterclass event at the Paris Cinéma Club, Cuarón reportedly expressed interest in the project, saying, "There is indeed this project under discussion, and I have a desire — if it happens — to revisit this story in my own way." If Amazon successfully secures Cuarón's direction, it could mark the beginning of a new era for Bond, helmed by a filmmaker with ten Academy Awards to his name.
As for the next actor to don the tuxedo, the speculation continues. Producer Barbara Broccoli has confirmed that the new Bond will definitely be a man, likely in his 30s, and emphasized that he does not have to be white, signaling a shift towards greater diversity within the franchise. Broccoli also noted that whoever takes on the role will need to commit to a full decade of playing the character, suggesting a long-term vision for the series.
Fellow producer Michael G. Wilson teased that this next Bond era will take the franchise in a fresh direction, promising fans a reinvention of the beloved character. While the search for the next Bond continues, the producers are urging fans to trust the process, recalling the initial backlash when Daniel Craig was cast as the iconic spy. The anticipation surrounding the announcement of the new Bond is palpable, as fans eagerly await who will ultimately take on the role.
In the meantime, Brosnan’s comments about potentially returning to the role of Bond have sparked renewed interest in his legacy within the franchise. As the dust settles on the transition of power to Amazon and the potential for a new direction under Cuarón, the future of James Bond remains as thrilling and uncertain as ever. With the possibility of familiar faces and new talent joining forces, the Bond universe is poised for an exciting evolution.
As the franchise prepares for its next chapter, it will be fascinating to see how these developments unfold. Will Brosnan be called back for a nostalgic return, or will the new era usher in a fresh face to captivate audiences once again? With the potential for groundbreaking storytelling and diverse casting, the next Bond film could redefine what it means to be 007 in the modern age.
