Celebrated British actress Helen Mirren has said that James Bond should never be played by a woman, as the spy franchise is “born out of profound sexism”.
Mirren also admitted that she “never liked” the 007 series because of the way women were presented in it.
“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,” Mirren told The Standard in a new interview. “The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism.”
She continued: “Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service. They always have been. And very brave. 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.”
Mirren, 79, is currently starring in the new Paramount+ crime series MobLand alongside one-time Bond favourite Tom Hardy and former James Bond Pierce Brosnan.
The 71-year-old Irish star, who suited up for the role from 1995 to 2002, has previously dismissed speculation that an American could take on the role following Amazon’s acquisition, calling it a “given” that the martini-sipping agent should be British.
“I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan,” shared Mirren. “I mean, oh my God. Obviously, he’s gorgeous and everything, and I think he’s fabulous in MobLand, but he also happens to be one of the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure to work with. And indeed Daniel Craig, who I’ve met and know a little bit, again – a very lovely, gracious person.”
In a shakeup earlier this year that shocked everyone in the movie business and James Bond fans, longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli – who always opposed the idea that James Bond be played by a woman - and Michael G. Wilson announced they're stepping away from the franchise to allow Amazon MGM Studios to take creative control. It was later revealed that Amy Pascal and David Heyman would be producing the upcoming 26th Bond film.
There is much concern over the future of the franchise, as Amazon now have the power to move forward not only with new films but potentially with spin-off films and TV shows.
There is no script, director or lead actor in place for a new Bond film, and the rumour mill is working overtime following the rapid succession of announcements this year.
Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón (Roma, Gravity, Children of Men) seems to be the current favourite to helm the 26th Bond adventure, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, James Norton, Kingsley Ben-Adir are popular bookies picks for the new James Bond. Adding themselves to that list in recent weeks have been Triangle of Sadness and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson, Challengers actor Josh O’Connor, Slow Horses star Jack Lowden and Gladiator II leading man Paul Mescal.
