Dame Helen Mirren Affirms James Bond 'Has to Be a Guy' Amid Franchise Evolution

Dame Helen Mirren has reignited the debate surrounding the future of James Bond, asserting that the iconic spy "has to be a guy." Her comments come as Amazon MGM Studios prepares to launch a "fresh" take on the franchise, with Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, penning the script for the 26th film in the series.

Mirren, an Oscar-winning actress currently starring alongside former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan in The Thursday Murder Club, expressed her conviction in a recent interview with Saga Magazine. "James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else," she stated, despite identifying as "such a feminist."

Brosnan Echoes Mirren's Sentiments

Brosnan, who portrayed 007 in four films between 1995 and 2002, echoed Mirren's perspective. He told the magazine he believes a male actor should continue in the role and expressed enthusiasm for the character's continued evolution. "I'm excited to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character," Brosnan said.

A Longstanding Debate

The question of whether James Bond could or should be played by a woman has been a recurring topic of discussion in recent years. While some argue that a female Bond would represent progress and modernization, others maintain that the character's identity is intrinsically linked to his male persona.

Halle Berry, who co-starred with Brosnan in Die Another Day, voiced similar reservations at the Cannes Film Festival in May. "In 2025, it's nice to say, 'Oh, she should be a woman.' But, I don't really know if I think that's the right thing to do," she said.

Historical Context and Evolving Representation

The James Bond franchise, born from the novels of Ian Fleming, has historically been criticized for its portrayal of women, often relegated to the roles of "Bond girls" – supporting characters frequently defined by their relationships with Bond. Mirren herself has previously acknowledged that the concept of James Bond was "born out of profound sexism."

Dr. Lisa Funnell, a cultural studies scholar specializing in gender and popular culture, argues that while the Bond character itself might remain male, the franchise can and should evolve in other ways. "Rather than simply swapping the gender of Bond, which risks alienating long-time fans, the producers could focus on creating more complex and empowered female characters within the Bond universe," she explains. "This would allow the franchise to address criticisms of sexism while still honoring its legacy."

Amazon's Vision for the Future

Amazon's acquisition of creative control over the Bond franchise has fueled speculation about the direction of the series. The studio has stated its intention to deliver a "fresh" take while respecting the "legacy" of the "iconic character."

Film critic Mark Kermode believes that Amazon's involvement could lead to a more nuanced and character-driven approach to the Bond films. "Amazon has the resources to invest in high-quality writing and production, which could result in a Bond film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking," he suggests. "The key will be finding a balance between honoring the traditions of the franchise and exploring new narrative possibilities."

Speculation Mounts Over Next 007

With Daniel Craig's departure from the role in No Time to Die, speculation about his successor has been intense. British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton have been widely rumored as frontrunners, although no official announcement has been made.

Franchise in Transition

The James Bond franchise, owned by the Broccoli family for over six decades, entered a new era with Amazon's acquisition of creative control. The reported $1 billion deal signals a significant investment in the future of the series.

The next James Bond film is currently in development, with no confirmed release date. The selection of the next 007 and the creative direction spearheaded by Steven Knight will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to write the next Bond film. Amazon plans a "fresh" take on James Bond. Speculation continues regarding who will be the next James Bond.