'Feminist' British Actress Says "James Bond Must Be Played by a Man"

Helen Mirren Stresses,
"James Bond Should Remain James Bond"
Debate Over Female Bond Role Continues
Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry Also Weigh In

British actress Helen Mirren has stated that the role of James Bond must be played by a man. While emphasizing that she considers herself a "feminist," Mirren said, "James Bond should be James Bond."

British actress Helen Mirren. Official website of Helen Mirren.

According to the BBC on August 18 (local time), Mirren said in a recent interview with Saga Magazine, "A woman cannot play James Bond. If that happens, it becomes something completely different," adding, "James Bond must be James Bond."

James Bond is a fictional secret agent belonging to the intelligence agency in the British film series '007.' This series has long been regarded as a source of pride for British cinema.

Previously, Amazon MGM Studios, the production company behind the 007 series, announced that it would produce the next installment. Steven Knight, creator of the popular Netflix series 'Peaky Blinders,' has been tapped to write the script, and the film is set to be the 26th entry in the 007 franchise. The studio said it is planning a "fresh interpretation" for the new series but also emphasized that it would "respect the legacy of the iconic character."

Mirren, who is 80 years old this year, stars alongside former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan in the new Netflix film 'The Thursday Murder Club.'

Brosnan, who is 72 this year, also expressed the opinion that the Bond role should continue to be played by a man, saying he looks forward to "a Bond who brings new energy and life." Brosnan played 007 in four films, starting with 'GoldenEye' in 1995 and ending with 'Die Another Day' in 2002.

In past interviews, Mirren has also remarked that the character of James Bond "originated from serious sexism," while noting that women have always been "very important figures" within the secret intelligence agency.

Mirren and Brosnan are not the only ones to voice opposition to a woman taking on the Bond role. American actress Halle Berry, who appeared in 'Die Another Day' in 2002, also said at the Cannes Film Festival this past May, "It might sound cool in 2025 to say, 'There should be a female Bond,' but I'm not sure that's the right thing."

The rights to the 007 series had been owned by the Broccoli family for over 60 years, but producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold the production rights to Amazon earlier this year for approximately $1 billion (about 1.3844 trillion won).

As speculation continues over who will be cast as the next lead, British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton are reportedly among the candidates. The release date for the next installment has not yet been determined.