Dame Helen Mirren hits out at James Bond franchise over ‘profound sexism’

James Bond, the iconic British secret agent who has captivated audiences since his debut in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel Casino Royale, may have taken the world by storm – but not everyone is a fan.

Dame Helen Mirren is one such critic and called out the James Bond franchise as “born out of profound sexism” and said she’s never liked the way women were represented in the film series.

While speaking to The Standard, Mirren criticised the movies for underplaying the role of women in the Secret Service and said she was opposed to the idea of a woman taking over the role.

“The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” she said.

“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.”

Despite her criticisms, the Prime Suspect star reassured fans she was still a fan of former Bond actors, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig and their work.

“I have to say I was never a great ward (of James Bond). I’m a huge fan of (007 star) Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan. I mean, oh my God,” she said.

“(But) 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 Oscar winner’s comments come after it was announced that Amazon Studios have taken over the franchise from longtime owners Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson.

As a former 007 himself, Brosnan was not surprised by the announcement, and said he saw “it was coming for some time”  but thought it was the right decision for the producing duo.

“It takes great courage for them to let go. They will still have a say in matters. I hope that (Amazon) handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect.”

The Irish-born star played the iconic spy four times over the mid-1990s to early 2000s, finishing with Die Another Day before Daniel Craig took over in Casino Royale in 2006 before leaving after No Time To Die in 2021.

-with BANG.