‘I’m Such a Feminist’ but ‘You Can’t Have a Woman. It Just Doesn’t Work’

Helen Mirren may play a retired spy in her new film “The Thursday Murder Club,” but the Oscar winner insists that the next James Bond “has to be a guy.”

In a new interview with Saga Magazine (via BBC News) alongside her “Thursday Murder Club” co-star and former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, Mirren said her character Elizabeth is a “more realistic” portrayal of a spy.

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“So many women have worked in that world. She’s a manifestation of a reality, that’s for sure,” Mirren told Saga, adding: “But not so much fun as Bond!”

Mirren continued: “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.”

Ever since Daniel Craig retired his version of Bond in 2021, rumors have been swirling about who will play the legendary spy next — and if it could potentially be a woman. Chatter intensified after Amazon took control of the Bond franchise in February, with insiders telling Variety in June that Amazon is interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30. Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson are at the top of the wish list (yes, Elordi is Australian, but that’s apparently not a dealbreaker). “Dune” helmer Denis Villeneuve is on board to direct the new James Bond film with “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight writing.

Speaking to Saga, Brosnan said he has nothing but well wishes for the next person lucky enough to take on the 007 role. “I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character,” he said.

“I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving,” Brosnan added. “And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: ‘Show us what you’re going to do.’”

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