Dame Helen Mirren slams James Bond franchise as being ‘drenched in sexism’ as she addresses female Bond rumours
Dame Helen Mirren has criticised the James Bond franchise as being “drenched and born out of profound sexism” whilst promoting her new Paramount+ series MobLand.
The 79-year-old Oscar-winning actress made the comments as she reflected on the popular franchise.
“I was never a great ward (of Bond),” she said in an interview with The Evening Standard.
“The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn’t,” the actress added.
Mirren stars alongside former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan in the upcoming crime drama MobLand.
Despite her criticism of the franchise, Mirren expressed admiration for Brosnan himself, describing him as “gorgeous” and “one of the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure to work with.”
She also praised Daniel Craig, calling him “a very lovely gracious person”.
Mirren was clear about her stance on the Bond franchise, stating: “I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond.”
The actress rejected the idea of a female Bond as a solution to the franchise’s sexist history.
Instead, she advocated for telling authentic stories about women in espionage.
“Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been. And very brave,” she explained.
She highlighted the courage of women in historical contexts, adding: “If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they’re amazingly, unbelievably courageous.”
The new drama will be available to stream on Paramount+ from March 30.
Brosnan, who starred in four Bond films from 1995 to 2002, recently addressed rumours about his potential return to the franchise.
Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, he 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.”
Brosnan reflected fondly on his time as 007, saying: “He’s with me for life. It was great. A magical time in my life.”
The actor acknowledged the role’s impact on his career. “It opened a lot of doors and allowed me to go off and form my own company and make my own movies.”
Brosnan recently stated it’s “a given” that the next James Bond actor must be British.
This follows reports of a memo confirming the character would retain the same gender and nationality under Amazon’s stewardship.
The search continues for Daniel Craig’s replacement after his final appearance in 2021’s “No Time to Die.”
According to bookmakers, Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden, 43, is currently the favourite to become the next James Bond.