FROM BRITAIN WITH LOVE

Pierce Brosnan Says the Next Bond Must Not Be From This Country

Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, said it’s a “given” that the new 007 should be British.

Former 007 Pierce Brosnan has said that the next Bond should not be American, after Amazon MGM Studios acquired creative control over the legendary franchise. The Irishman, one of only two non-Brits to play Bond, spoke to The Telegraph amid speculation about who English actor Daniel Craig’s successor might be. Brosnan, who played Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, said it’s a “given” that the new 007 should be British, after a flurry of American actors were tipped for the role. Among the names are American-British star Andrew Garfield, Oscar Isaac and Chilean-American Pedro Pascal. However, plenty of British names are in the hat, too. Long-time front-runner Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James of The Gentlemen and former Superman Henry Cavill are also among the favorites. “I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect,” the GoldenEye and Die Another Day star, 71, said. The veteran actor also commended the “great courage” of longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson to let go of creative control. They will, however, remain co-owners of the franchise. Brosnan recently told GQ that “of course” he’d be interested in reprising the role.