Ex-007 star Pierce Brosnan weighs in on Bond’s future after Amazon takeover

Ex-007 actor Pierce Brosnan has weighed in on the next James Bond, insisting that the iconic spy must be British, as a leaked memo reportedly confirmed the character will remain a man.

The 71-year-old Irish star, who suited up for the role from 1995 to 2002, dismissed speculation that an American could take on the role, calling it a “given” that the martini-sipping, quick-witted, world-saving agent should be British.

He also supported Amazon-MGM’s recent takeover of the franchise, calling it the “right decision”. “It takes great courage for them to let go,” he told the Sunday Telegraph. “I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect.”

In a deal announced last month, long-time 007 producers and guardians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are stepping back, forming a new joint venture with Amazon MGM Studios to manage the James Bond intellectual property rights.

While Wilson and Broccoli remain co-owners, Amazon MGM will now call the creative shots. The duo first paired up as co-producers on Brosnan's GoldenEye (1995), and they have overseen every instalment since, including Daniel Craig's tenure as 007.

“We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide," said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios in a statement.

He added: "We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

With the Broccoli-Wilson era coming to an end, speculation is heating up over who will don the tux next. Though there’s no script, director, or confirmed lead, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and James Norton are among the rumoured frontrunners.

Previously speculated candidates for the role have included Henry Cavill, Richard Madden, Regé Jean-Page, recent Oscar winner Cillian Murphy, and Idris Elba.