Helen Mirren, the iconic actress known for her outspoken views, recently opened up about her complicated relationship with the James Bond franchise.
Despite having a deep admiration for actors like Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, she revealed that she’s never been a fan of the series itself.
Mirren’s Thoughts on James Bond and the Bond Actors
In an interview with The Standard, the 79-year-old Oscar winner didn’t hold back her thoughts on the famous spy saga, especially now that Amazon has taken control.
She expressed her respect for the actors who have embodied 007 but confessed that the Bond series never appealed to her personally.
“I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan. He’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure to work with,” Mirren shared.
She also spoke highly of Daniel Craig, acknowledging his graciousness and charm.
However, despite her fondness for the actors, she was blunt about her feelings toward the franchise.
“The whole series of James Bond was actually not my thing,” she said. “I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were portrayed in James Bond.”
Mirren Speaks Out Against the Idea of a Female 007
Mirren also made it clear that she opposes the idea of a female James Bond, a discussion that has been gaining traction in recent years.
She described the series as “drenched and born out of profound sexism.”
According to Mirren, the concept of James Bond inherently carries problematic themes, particularly regarding how women are depicted.
While Mirren doesn’t believe in gender-flipping the iconic role, she believes that the stories of real women in espionage deserve more attention.
“Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service,” she said.
“They were incredibly brave, like the women in the French Resistance. Their courage is unbelievable.”
Amazon’s Takeover of the James Bond Franchise Sparks Backlash
Helen Mirren’s criticisms come amidst growing concerns among James Bond fans about Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios and the control it now holds over the franchise.
With Amazon’s new distribution rights, many fans worry that the spy series will lose its legacy and be reduced to a string of mediocre spin-offs designed to boost Prime subscriptions, much like Disney’s treatment of Star Wars.
Since Amazon took over MGM in 2022, the tech giant has had the power to distribute the 007 films, but creative control was still in the hands of longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson—family members of the franchise’s original creator.
However, the new deal has handed Amazon control over the creative direction of any future films, leading to disappointment and backlash from many Bond fans.
On Reddit, users expressed their concerns, with one writing, “It’s clearly the end of the franchise for long-time Bond fans.” Another commented, “RIP James Bond.
Amazon will destroy a great franchise, just like Disney destroyed Star Wars.”
Who Will Be the Next James Bond?
As the future of the franchise hangs in the balance, speculation continues about who will take up the 007 mantle.
While nothing is officially confirmed, names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, and Regé-Jean Page are still being floated as potential candidates for the iconic role.
With the reins now firmly in Amazon’s hands, fans are left wondering just what the future holds for the world’s most famous secret agent.