Pierce Brosnan declares next James Bond must be British while admitting ‘certain lament’ over Amazon control
Pierce Brosnan has declared it is a “given” that the next James Bond should be British, amid growing concerns over Amazon MGM Studios taking creative control of the iconic franchise.
The 71-year-old actor played 007 in four films, with his debut in 1995’s fan-favourite Goldeneye often being credited with reviving the franchise.
Brosnan, who is Irish, also expressed hope that Amazon would handle the character with “dignity and imagination and respect”.
The choice of Daniel Craig’s successor will ultimately be a decision for Amazon MGM Studios.
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Brosnan 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,” he added.
The actor acknowledged that “no one really knows” what will happen to 007 under Amazon’s control.
He noted the change “does come with a certain lament” in today’s fast-moving world.
“I have no idea what Amazon would do with it,” the Welsh-born actor told the Telegraph. “But it is a damn fine series of movies. It’s been part of our lives, so anything that threatens it is kind of sad.”
The 78-year-old was also adamant that the next Bond must be British.
“It is one of the few wonderful stories we’ve got in film that is British. The leading character is British. We can call it our own,” Dalton insisted.
Veteran actor Ray Winstone, 68, has also spoken out against the Americanisation of Bond, declaring that: “The world’s gone crazy.”
Under the deal, long-standing producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson will remain co-owners of the franchise, but Amazon MGM Studios “will gain creative control”.
Several non-British actors have also been linked to the role, including Irish stars Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy and Aidan Turner, Australian Jacob Elordi, and American Austin Butler.
Bond has been played by two non-British actors in the past – Australian George Lazenby and Irishman Brosnan himself.
Brosnan starred in four Bond films from 1995’s GoldenEye until 2002’s Die Another Day.
“History has been passed on and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies I made with Barbara and Michael,” he told the Telegraph.
He added: “That we moved the needle, that we brought it back to life. It had been dormant (for) six years and GoldenEye was such a success that it continued and went from strength to strength.”
Brosnan was introduced as Bond at the inception of Broccoli and Wilson’s creative takeover.
“I wish them well,” he concluded.