Pierce Brosnan shares his thoughts on the next James Bond

For many, Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond was a return to form. Brosnan’s portrayal of the British spy revived the franchise, helping to turn 1995’s Goldeneye into a global hit which made over $560 million (US $356 million) at the box office.

So it comes as no surprise that Brosnan has strong opinions about who should next play the super spy after it was announced that Amazon Studios have taken over the franchise from longtime owners Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson.

The 71 year old star was chatting to The Sunday Telegraph, and said it was a “given” that only a British actor should be cast in the role of the world’s favourite spy.

“In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, (the takeover) does come with a certain lament,” he said.

“I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael.

“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.

Brosnan looks back on his time as Bond fondly and said that he was “very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies that I made with Barbara and Michael.”

“That we 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 … You know, everything changes, everything falls apart, and I wish them well,” he said.

Currently, there is no word on who will next play the fictitious secret agent though new producers said they are sifting through “interesting ideas” as they search for Daniel Craig’s replacement.

The decision remains in limbo after three years of silence, with fans and celebrities alike speculating on the next Bond to grace our screens.

However, Jennifer Salke, global head of Amazon MGM Studios, has given an update on the casting process.

Salke revealed she’s working closely with Eon Productions and producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson to find the best way forward, telling The Guardian: “There are a lot of ideas [about potential actors] that have popped up that I thought are interesting.”

“… There are a lot of different ways we can go. We have a good and close relationship with Eon and Barbara and Michael. We are not looking to disrupt the way those wonderful films are made. For us, we are taking their lead,” she added.

Salke went on to insist Bond fans are being “patient” as the search continues but she doesn’t want to leave too much of a gap between 007 films.

-with BANG and AAP.