Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has voiced his strong opinion on the future of the iconic spy character, asserting that his successor should be British. 

This comes amid growing concerns following the shift in creative control of the James Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Brosnan, who played 007 in four films, discussed the changes in the franchise’s direction,

particularly in light of Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022. This deal granted the American tech giant distribution rights and intellectual property control over the James Bond films,

leading to questions about how the franchise would evolve under new management. Brosnan, who played Bond from 1995 to 2002,

expressed his feelings about the future of the series, highlighting that the next Bond should continue to reflect British heritage.

“I thought it was coming for some time, I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael,” Brosnan said, referring to longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have been at the helm of the franchise since the 1990s. While the duo remains involved in the series, the shift in creative control under Amazon has left some fans concerned that the franchise may lose its quintessentially British identity.

Brosnan, now 71, also spoke about the courage it took for Broccoli and Wilson to relinquish some control over the franchise, acknowledging the challenge they faced in transitioning to a new era of James Bond. “It takes great courage for them to let go,” he remarked. “They will still have a say in matters, I hope that Amazon handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect.”

While the future of the series remains uncertain, particularly with the speculation surrounding the casting of the next Bond, Brosnan emphasized that the change in ownership comes with mixed feelings. “In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, (the change) does come with a certain lament,” he added, reflecting on the rapid pace of the evolving entertainment landscape.

There has been considerable speculation about the direction of the James Bond franchise since Daniel Craig’s final portrayal of the iconic spy in No Time To Die (2021). The question of who will take up the mantle of 007 has remained unanswered, and Brosnan’s comments fuel the ongoing debate about whether the character will stay true to its British roots. Some fans have voiced concerns that with the new American control, the next Bond could be someone from outside the UK, but Brosnan firmly believes that the role must remain distinctly British.

Reflecting on his own time as Bond, Brosnan expressed pride in his contributions to the franchise. “History has been passed on and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond,” he said. “The movies that I made with Barbara and Michael moved the needle, that we brought it back to life. It had been dormant for six years, and GoldenEye was such a success that it continued and went from strength to strength.”

Brosnan’s tenure as Bond began with GoldenEye in 1995, marking a new chapter for the franchise. His final appearance came in 2002 with Die Another Day. His time as 007 is often regarded as a pivotal era, helping to revitalize the series and ensure its continued success.

The Bond franchise has long been a symbol of British cinematic legacy, with the films produced by the Broccoli family since the 1960s. Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson have produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Skyfall, and No Time To Die. Their stewardship of the franchise has earned them widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including CBEs and a Bafta for Best British Film for Skyfall in 2012.

However, the acquisition of MGM by Amazon raised new questions about the future direction of the franchise. Amazon’s interest in expanding Bond into  TV shows and other ventures has led to speculation about potential changes to the traditional film formula. Reports have also surfaced about creative differences between Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios, particularly regarding their vision for the franchise’s future.

Brosnan’s comments underscore the growing concern among fans and industry insiders that the character of Bond could lose its British identity in this new era of globalized entertainment. Actress Valerie Leon, who appeared in The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again, recently expressed similar concerns, stating that the Bond franchise would no longer feel authentically British following Amazon’s acquisition.

As the world waits for an official announcement about the next Bond actor, Brosnan’s thoughts add an important perspective to the ongoing conversation about the future of the iconic spy. Fans and critics alike continue to hope that, despite the changes, the essence of James Bond will remain rooted in British tradition, ensuring the character continues to be a global icon while staying true to its origins.