As Amazon MGM prepares to reboot the James Bond franchise, acclaimed actress Helen Mirren has shared her candid thoughts on the iconic spy series. In a recent interview with The Standard, Mirren admitted that she “never liked” the James Bond films, particularly due to their depiction of female characters.
“The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn’t. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond. … The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” Mirren stated.
Why Mirren Rejects the Idea of a Female Bond
With discussions in Hollywood about a potential female 007 gaining momentum over the years, Mirren firmly opposes the idea. She believes that rather than altering an inherently sexist character, filmmakers should focus on real stories about courageous women in espionage.
“Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service. They always have been. And very brave. If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they’re amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who’ve worked in that world,” she added.
Mirren Praises Former Bond Stars
Despite her criticism of the franchise, Mirren had nothing but admiration for some of the actors who have played the famous spy. She is currently co-starring alongside former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan in the new Paramount+ crime series MobLand, in which Brosnan plays the husband of Mirren’s gang leader character.
“I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan,” Mirren shared. “Obviously, he’s gorgeous and everything. And I think he’s fabulous in MobLand, but he also happens to be one of the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure to work with. And indeed Daniel Craig, who I’ve met and know a little bit. Again, a very lovely, gracious person.”
The Future of James Bond Under Amazon MGM
The James Bond franchise is currently undergoing significant changes. In February, Amazon MGM secured a deal to take creative control of the property, marking a major shift in the series’ direction. Longtime franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have stepped back, allowing the streaming giant to oversee the next chapter of Bond’s cinematic journey.
While the future of 007 remains uncertain, one thing is clear—Helen Mirren does not believe the solution lies in making the British spy a woman.