Move over, 007—there’s a new power duo calling out the Bond franchise’s outdated ways. Pierce Brosnan, the suave star of four James Bond films, has thrown his support behind Helen Mirren’s bold takedown of the iconic spy series, admitting he sees her point about its “profound sexism.”
The dynamic pair, who co-star in Paramount+’s new crime thriller Mob Land, made headlines this week when Brosnan, 71, reacted to Mirren’s recent comments slamming Bond’s treatment of women.
“She let them have it,” Brosnan told PEOPLE at the show’s NYC premiere on March 30, flashing that trademark charm.
While the two didn’t hash it out on set (“No, we didn’t talk about that,” Brosnan admitted), the former Bond didn’t shy away from agreeing with his Oscar-winning co-star.
“Yes, there’s a certain agreement there,” he conceded—though he also defended the franchise’s legacy, saying, “There’s a certain world and room to move within what Ian Fleming put down.”
See also: Helen Mirren’s Explosive Take: James Bond Should Never Be a Woman
Mirren’s Mic Drop: ‘James Bond Is Drenched in Sexism’
Dame Helen Mirren, never one to mince words, recently unleashed her unfiltered thoughts on Bond in an interview with The London Standard, calling the franchise “not my thing” due to its portrayal of women.
“I never liked James Bond,” the 79-year-old icon declared. “The whole concept is drenched and born out of profound sexism.”
Mirren—who’s played everything from a monarch (The Queen) to a lethal assassin (Red)—argued that real-life female spies deserve their own spotlight.
“Women have always been a major part of the Secret Service,” she said, pointing to the bravery of women in the French Resistance. “I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who’ve worked in that world.”
And for those pushing for a female James Bond? Mirren isn’t buying it. “Just make new stories about women,” she insisted.
See also: Val Kilmer’s Nostalgic Final Instagram Post Was the Goodbye We Didn’t Know We Needed
Brosnan’s Bond Legacy—And Who Should Take Over Next
Brosnan, who brought Bond into the modern era with GoldenEye (1995) and three sequels, has long been a fan favorite. But even he acknowledges the franchise’s flaws. Still, he’s diplomatic about its future—especially with Amazon MGM now steering the ship.
When asked who should next wield the Walther PPK, Brosnan kept it classy: “I wish them all well.” (Translation: Good luck filling those shoes.)
With names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Regé-Jean Page rumored for the role, and calls for more inclusive storytelling growing louder, Bond’s next move will be crucial. Can 007 evolve—or is the franchise forever stuck in its “boys’ club” past?
One thing’s for sure: With legends like Mirren and Brosnan calling for change, Hollywood’s listening.
See also: Joe Alwyn Wants to Be James Bond—Look What You Made Him Do, Hollywood
The Verdict: Time for Bond to Grow Up?
Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren’s critiques force a reckoning: Can James Bond evolve beyond his womanizing roots, or is the franchise too steeped in old-school machismo to change? Recent films have tried—giving Moneypenny a gun and introducing a female 007—but the core fantasy remains the same: a lone wolf seducing his way through missions. If Bond can’t truly modernize, maybe it’s time to retire the tux and let fresh spy stories take center stage.
Hollywood already proves there’s an appetite for new perspectives. Shows like Killing Eve and films like Atomic Blonde deliver ruthless, complex female spies without relying on Bond’s tired tropes. As Mirren argues, why force a gender-swapped 007 when real history is full of untold stories about brilliant, lethal women in espionage?
The question isn’t just about 007—it’s about who gets to be the hero. Bond’s legacy is secure, but if the franchise wants to stay relevant, it must either undergo a radical reinvention or make way for something new. The mission, should Hollywood choose to accept it? Leave the past behind.
