Pierce Brosnan has floated the idea of returning as James Bond, but only if director Denis Villeneuve has a compelling plan for the iconic spy.
In a candid chat with Radio Times, the 72-year-old actor said he and wife Keely Shaye Smith have been hearing the growing chatter about who will inherit the Bond helm. He noted that while the idea of a “craggy, 72-year-old Bond” isn’t appealing, he would consider stepping back into the role if Villeneuve came to him with something up his sleeve. “Why not? It’s great entertainment. It could be lots of laughs. Bald caps, prosthetics… who knows?” Brosnan quipped.
Brosnan’s four Bond installments—GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002)—cemented his place in the series’ history. He added that he’s rooting for the next actor stepping into the role, and for the Bond universe to deliver something fresh and exciting. “I wish them well. I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving. And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: ‘Show us what you’re going to do.’”
The search for a new 007 has been underway since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021. Reports have pointed to Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a leading candidate to take on the part, but no official casting has been announced. The next Bond project is moving forward under Denis Villeneuve’s direction, with Steven Knight attached to write the screenplay. The film is being produced by Amy Pascal (Pascal Pictures) and David Heyman (Heyday Films), with Tanya Lapointe serving as executive producer. Amazon MGM Studios is overseeing development, and Barbara Broccoli has stepped back from creative control as the project takes on a new creative trajectory.
Why this matters: Brosnan’s comments, coupled with Villeneuve’s involvement and Knight’s scripting, signal a potential shift for the franchise as it prepares to introduce a new era of Bond under fresh leadership. The mix of veteran franchise history and new creative forces could offer a bold, modern take that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Possible takeaways for readers and viewers:
– A new Bond could arrive with a director known for ambitious, character-driven storytelling, paired with a writer noted for complex character studies.
– The project emphasizes a fresh creative direction rather than a simple reboot, potentially blending nostalgia with innovative ideas.
– The involvement of major producers and a global streaming and production powerhouse underscores the franchise’s continued scale and ambition.
Summary: Pierce Brosnan expressed openness to returning as Bond if Denis Villeneuve brings a unique and engaging concept, as the franchise moves forward with Villeneuve directing, Steven Knight writing, and a renewed production team under Amazon MGM Studios. The cast has yet to be set, but the dialogue around a next 007 points to a new chapter that aims to honor Bond’s legacy while pushing the series into new creative territory.
Overall outlook: The Bond franchise appears to be entering a bold, evolving phase with high-profile talent guiding the project. If executed well, this could deliver a fresh, worthy chapter that appeals to both longtime fans and new generations, offering a hopeful path forward for 007.