Prime Highlights:
· Helen Mirren says James Bond character should remain male, even though she identifies as a feminist.
· Halle Berry also agrees, adding that women already play important roles in the Bond legacy.
Key Highlights:
· The 26th Bond film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
· Speculation continues over the next Bond character, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton among the frontrunners.
Key Background:
Helen Mirren said that James Bond should continue to be played by a man, even though she describes herself as a strong feminist. In an interview with Saga Magazine, the 80-year-old Oscar-winning actress explained that James Bond cannot be played by a woman, as it would not work and would turn the character into something entirely different.
Mirren is currently starring opposite former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan in the film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, where she plays a retired spy. Brosnan, 72, echoed her view, saying he also believes a male actor should continue in the role and that he is excited to “see a whole new exuberance and life for this character.”
The debate over whether a woman could take on the role of 007 is not new. Halle Berry, who starred in Die Another Day alongside Brosnan, shared a similar opinion at the Cannes Film Festival in May, noting that while in 2025 the idea of a female Bond might sound appealing, she was not convinced it would be the right direction.
Mirren has previously noted that while the James Bond concept originated in an era of deep-rooted sexism, women have consistently held a vital and influential role in the secret service throughout the films.
The James Bond franchise, which had been under the Broccoli family’s control for decades, was sold to Amazon earlier this year for an estimated $1bn (£760m). Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed a new “fresh” take on the spy series while honoring the “legacy” of the character. Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the 26th film.
Speculation continues over who will next play Bond, with British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton among those rumored for the role. No release date has yet been announced.
