March 30, 2025: Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren has voiced her strong disapproval of the James Bond franchise, particularly highlighting its portrayal of women as one of the major reasons behind her opposition. In a candid interview with Deadline, Mirren shared her longstanding distaste for the iconic spy series, despite acknowledging her admiration for Pierce Brosnan, a former Bond actor. The two will soon reunite in Guy Ritchie’s MobLand.
Mirren, known for her roles in both dramatic and action-packed films, made it clear that she was never a fan of the 007 movies. She said, “The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond.” Her criticism of the series didn’t stop at the portrayal of women in the films but also extended to the ongoing debate around the possibility of a female actor taking on the role of 007.
Instead of casting a woman as the next James Bond, Mirren advocates for the retelling of stories of real-life women who have played pivotal roles in espionage throughout history. “The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” Mirren added. She emphasized that women have always been integral to intelligence work, even if their contributions have often been overlooked. “Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been. And very brave,” she said.
Mirren’s comments come at a time of significant change for the Bond franchise. With Amazon MGM Studios now in control of the creative direction of the series, longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are stepping back, which has prompted discussions about the future of the character and the franchise as a whole. Mirren’s remarks add to the ongoing conversation about the portrayal of women in media and the evolution of iconic characters like James Bond.