Pierce Brosnan Weighs in on Next James Bond: ‘It’s a Given They Must Be British’

As Amazon MGM Studios takes creative control of the 007 franchise, speculation grows over who will be the next James Bond.

Washington [US], March 11: Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has shared his top requirement for the next 007, emphasizing that it is “a given” that the next actor to portray the legendary British spy must be British, People reported.

Brosnan, who played Bond between 1995 and 2002, passed the baton to Daniel Craig, who held the role from 2006 to 2021. Now, with Craig’s departure, the hunt for the next James Bond has intensified, with several British actors rumored to be in the running, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Rege-Jean Page, Josh O’Connor, Joe Alwyn, Theo James, and Idris Elba.

Brosnan’s comments come at a time of major changes for the franchise, as Amazon MGM Studios has officially taken over creative control of Bond projects, marking a significant shift in the series’ 60-year history.

Amazon Takes the Reins of the 007 Franchise

On February 20, 2025, Amazon MGM Studios announced a new joint venture with longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have overseen the franchise for decades. Under the deal, Amazon MGM Studios will now have creative control over future Bond projects while Broccoli and Wilson step back from production but remain co-owners of the intellectual property.

“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.

Hopkins praised the Broccoli family’s contributions to the franchise and expressed excitement about ushering in a new era for Bond.

Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos also weighed in on the transition, playfully asking fans on X (formerly Twitter):

“Who’d you pick as the next Bond?”

The End of an Era for Bond’s Longtime Custodians

The transition marks the end of an era, as Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli—who have helmed Bond movies since the 1990s—announced their decision to step back from producing the franchise.

Wilson, who has worked on Bond films for nearly six decades, stated:

“With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”

Broccoli echoed Wilson’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for her journey with Bond and her decision to focus on other projects after the conclusion of No Time to Die.

“My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007,” Broccoli said.

Pierce Brosnan Open to Returning as Bond

While Brosnan has made it clear that the next Bond should be British, he also admitted that he would love to return as Bond—if given the chance.

“Of course, how could I not be interested?” Brosnan said. “But it’s a delicate situation now. I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, really. Everything changes, everything falls apart.”

However, Brosnan ultimately passed the torch, saying:

“I think that it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood.”

With Amazon MGM now leading the charge, the anticipation around who will be the next James Bond continues to grow.

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Tags: James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, 007 Franchise, Amazon MGM, Daniel Craig, Barbara Broccoli, Michael G Wilson, James Bond Casting, British Actors, Hollywood News

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