Former 007 Pierce Brosnan says it's time for a female Bond
The actor said the franchise needed to move with the times, after the #MeToo movement swept across the movie industry.
Monday 9 September 2019 18:47, UK
Former 007 Pierce Brosnan has called for a woman to take on the role of James Bond.
The actor, who played the spy in four films between 1995 and 2002, said that the idea of having a woman play Bond would be "exciting" and "exhilarating".
"I think we've watched the guys do it for the last 40 years, get out of the way, guys, and put a woman up there," he told The Hollywood Reporter.
Producers of the next film, No time To Die, will tease fans with the idea as actor Lashana Lynch is due to take the codename 007, with James Bond himself retired from MI6.
But Brosnan does not believe that the producers will allow Bond to become a female character anytime soon.
"I don't think that's going to happen with the Broccolis [producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson]. I don't think that is going to happen under their watch."
Brosnan also added that he believes Bond's flirty nature will change and move with the times.
"Without question, yes... The #MeToo movement has been relevant and significant and well needed in our society, so they'll have to address that," he said.
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He also said the role of Bond will never leave him: "James Bond has a certain significance and a deep pride. I will be asked about him until my dying days - it just goes with the territory. He's a beloved character.
"I was honoured to play the role and I rejuvenated a franchise that had been dormant," he added.