Cliff Notes – Pierce Brosnan makes huge statement about future James Bond involvement
- Pierce Brosnan has firmly ruled out returning as James Bond, stating it should be “another man’s job” and expressing contentment with his career.
- Despite earlier comments suggesting interest in a comeback, Brosnan emphasised the need for “fresh blood” to lead the franchise, backing Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a potential candidate for the role.
Pierce Brosnan makes huge statement about future James Bond involvement
Pierce Brosnan has addressed rumours he could make a return to James Bond as Amazon kickstarts the franchise. He emphatically has shot down claims he’s playing an older James Bond.
The search is still on for the next 007 after Daniel Craig, 57, completed his last assignment in 2021 with No Time to Die.
However, Pierce, who starred in four Bond films from 1995 to 2002, including Die Another Day, has ruled out a return in the next movie.
The Irish actor, 71, shut down claims he could be playing an older 007, insisting it should be ‘another man’s job’ now.
Discussing rumours of his comeback on The Jonathan Ross Show, Pierce said: ‘No one’s spoken to me about it. I’ve heard all of the rumours. Listen, they know where to find me. Let’s see where the wind takes us.
He later clarified: ‘It’s going to be another man’s job. I’m not looking to go there. I’m quite happy with my career. I’ve done it, it was wonderful. Delightful kind of notion to contemplate.
Pierce said 007 was ‘another man’s job’ (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/REX/Shutterstock)
‘He’s with me for life [Bond]. It was great. A magical time in my life. It opened a lot of doors and allowed me to go off and form my own company and make my own movies – The Thomas Crown Affair, The Matador – it gave me access to a whole other world as an actor, employment.’
The remarks contradict earlier comments Pierce made to GQ in which he said he would be ‘interested’ in returning as James Bond – although he conceded it would be better for ‘fresh blood’ to lead the franchise.
‘Of course, how could I not be interested? But it’s a delicate situation now. I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, really. I think so,’ he told GQ, while confessing that it was ‘a rather romantic notion and idea’.
But while noting that ‘everything changes, everything falls apart’, the Black Adam star added: ‘I think that it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood.’
On The Jonathan Ross Show, Pierce also revealed he sustained an injury to his face while filming a boat chase scene down the River Thames in a James Bond film.
Pierce played James Bond in four 007 movies
He said: ‘[The boat] goes off the river into a restaurant, drives into a restaurant, wood sliced my face open. So, went off to the hospital, stitched up.’
Pierce added: ‘You live with the injuries. Daniel [Craig] threw himself at everything. He was truly magnificent. His courage to do that and to endure so much was really impressive. Playing that role you will get hurt, there’s no question about it. You have to have stamina.’
As for which actor he would like cast as 007, the Mamma Mia star said he was backing Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, describing him as ‘impressive.’
He said: ‘I think he [Taylor-Johnson] would make a very fine Bond. He was actually in one of the movies I made called The Greatest. This young man we cast as ‘The Greatest’.
‘He was so impressive then. He just had this charisma, he had this presence … so he would be good. But there are many men on the list, I’m sure.’
It’s not the first time Pierce has weighed in on the future of Bond.
Bonds future in jeopardy with Prime
Earlier this month, he issued a plea after longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson agreed a billion-dollar deal with Amazon, giving the firm creative control of the franchise.
Pierce told The Telegraph: ‘I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael.
‘It takes great courage for them to let go. They will still have a say in matters. I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect.’
The current bookies’ favourite to become the next James Bond is Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden, 43.
His odds currently sit at 3/1, shooting up the list after previously sitting at 8/1, putting him above previous favourites Aaron and Henry Cavill.
The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday at 9.20pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.