Cliff Notes – Pierce Brosnan addresses critics over his ‘offensive’ accent in new TV series
- Pierce Brosnan defended his portrayal of mobster Conrad Harrigan in MobLand, stating he embraced a Kerry accent suggested by his dialect coach, despite criticism from viewers.
- The actor expressed initial nervousness about his accent, which he felt had diminished over the years, but was reassured by director Guy Ritchie to focus on the character rather than his concerns.
Pierce Brosnan addresses critics over his ‘offensive’ accent in new TV series
Pierce Brosnan has spoken out over the criticism he received of his Irish accent in gritty drama MobLand, sharing that he just went ‘full tilt’ with it.
The James Bond icon returned to our screens as mobster Conrad Harrigan in Guy Ritchie’s new Paramount+ drama, also starring Tom Hardy, Dame Helen Mirren and Joanne Froggatt.
The 72-year-old, who was born in Ireland, is clearly having the time of his life as head of the Harrigan crime family, with the acclaimed show focusing their feud with the Stevenson crew based in London.
However, many were left baffled over his choices for the Irish kingpin’s accent when the first episodes dropped earlier, and branded his efforts ‘offensive’ on social media.
Having his say on the comments in a new interview, the Drogheda-native told Radio Times: ‘My own accent is very soft, Conrad’s accent is a million miles away from me.’
Shedding light on his inspiration for the accent, Pierce explained that it was taken from someone suggested by his dialect coach.
Pierce Brosnan stars as gangster Conrad Harrigan in MobLand (Picture: Paramount+)
‘I told him that I needed a Kerry accent, so he gave me the name of a man and I googled the guy and that was it,’ he added.
‘It was a Kerry accent and so, I just gave it full tilt.’
Pierce was born in Drogheda, County Louth, before making the move to Navan in County Meath – where he lived for over a decade.
He then swapped Navan for Scotland with his mother and stepfather, until they eventually settled in London.
Pierce’s Irish accent in the show left many viewers baffled (Picture: Paramount+)
Appearing on Today FM, the star – who also appeared in Mrs Doubtfire and the hit Mamma Mia films – shared that he had been nervous about his use of an accent, as his own as ‘dissipated’ over the years.
In fact, he voiced his concerns to director Guy, after reading some of the initial scripts, but the filmmaker told him ‘not to worry’ about it.
‘Last summer I spoke to Guy for the first time about it and having read the five episodes he said not to worry about it,’ he revealed.
‘[He said] “We’ll just do it 15 minutes on the day, clear your mind, we’ll sort it out, don’t worry about it”.
Pierce confessed that he was nervous about his accent (Picture: Paramount+)
‘Of course, I put the phone down and did worry about it! Five weeks later I was on the set with Tom Hardy and Guy, first day, important dialogue, important information and he just said, “more Irish, more Irish”.
‘My Irish accent has dissipated into the midst of time. It’s somewhat Californian and everything. So, I asked myself, “What kind of accent would he have?” It was Kerry.’
Unfortunately, Pierce’s accent hasn’t translated well for those watching from home, as viewers flocked to social media to rave about the show – but call out Conrad’s voice.
Twitter user Mike slammed: ‘Pierce Brosnan accent in #Mobland is utterly ridiculous. #Paramount.’
MobLand has become a huge hit with fans (Picture: Backgrid)
‘#Mobland is excellent…….if you have not watched it get on it now…,’ Colm said. ‘OK yes Pierce’s fake Irish accent is silly but it’s grand.’
Paddy agreed: ‘MobLand is a great show but Pierce Brosnans accent is possibly the worst accent since tv started,,,,
‘It’s like nettles in my ears every time he speaks #mobland [sic].’
As Angela added: ‘Pierce Brosnan’s accent is the only let down #MobLand.’
MobLand is available to stream on Paramount+ now.