Pierce Brosnan has said he doesn’t think that the next James Bond should be America. 

The British actor, 71, portrayed the spy in four films between 1995 and 2002 before being succeeded by Daniel Craig.

Speculation about the next Bond has been high for years, but in December 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Broccoli family – who have produced the Bond films for decades – and Amazon had reached ‘an impᴀsse’ regarding new movies after Amazon acquired MGM Studios and the rights to distribute the franchise in 2022.

On February 20, Amazon MGM Studios, Barbara Broccoli, and Michael G Wilson announced Amazon would ᴀssume creative control over the 007 franchise.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Brosnan has now said it is a ‘given’ that Daniel Craig’s successor should be British – while adding that he ‘lamented’ the takeover.

British-American star Andrew Garfield and American actor Oscar Isaac are some of the contenders for the role.

Pierce Brosnan has said he doesn’t think that the next James Bond should be America (seen in Die Another Day – 2002)

The British actor, 71, portrayed the spy in four films between 1995 and 2002 before being succeeded by Daniel Craig (seen)

While British names in the mix include James Norton, Theo James, Idris Elba and Henry Cavill.

Brosnan added of the Amazon takeover: ‘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.’

‘In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, the change does come with a certain lament,’ he said.

It comes after Brosnan addressed speculation about returning to the role of James Bond.

He was asked about the possibility of reprising his role as an older version of Bond in future films during an interview with GQ, while promoting his new series, ‘MobLand’ – with the discussion following Amazon MGM Studios’ full acquisition of the franchise’s rights.

Pierce said about the deal: ‘I’ve heard of that.’

When asked if he’s be up for playing Bond again, he added: ‘Of course, how could I not be interested?

Speaking to The Telegraph , Brosnan has now said it is a ‘given’ that Daniel Craig’s successor should be British – while adding that he ‘lamented’ the takeover

‘But it’s a delicate situation now. I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, really. I think so. It’s a rather romantic notion and idea, but I think everything changes, everything falls apart. I think that it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood.’

The future of the James Bond series has remained uncertain for more than three years, following Craig’s departure from the role after the conclusion of 2021’s No Time to Die.

Fans have long speculated about who will take over the role, with actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s name frequently appearing in online rumours.

Read More ‘Creative control’ of 007 franchise handed to Amazon then Bezos asks: Who’ll be the next Bond?

Pierce said of 34-year-old Aaron on RTÉ Radio 1’s ‘The Ray D’Arcy Show’: ‘I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so.

He has also suggested that Academy Award winner and fellow Irishman Cillian Murphy could succeed in the role.

There is currently no timeline for casting or releasing future James Bond films.

Following news that Amazon had fully purchased the rights to 007 fans took to social media to share their fears of Bond going the way of other iconic film series.

In 2012, Disney acquired Star Wars owner LucasFilm for £3.2billion and have since launched a raft of new origins movies, series, and animated spin-offs.

It will open the door to much-loved Bond characters getting their own series like Q, the quartermaster of MI6 who furnishes 007 with his gadgets, Moneypenny, Bond’s secretary, and M, the head of MI6 and Bond’s boss.

One user in mourning for 007 made his feelings clear: ‘RIP James Bond. Amazon will destroy a great franchise, like Disney have destroyed Star Wars.’

British-American star Andrew Garfield (left) and American actor Oscar Isaac (right) are some of the contenders for the role

Another X user, Mike Beauvais, suggested that the Amazon takeover would lead to a loss in quality control and an endless stream of sequels.

He wrote: ‘We used to get a (generally) good James Bond movie, but that’s out of the window now.

‘Get ready for Young Q and 00 Origins: Trevelyan and other unwatchable Amazon Prime slop going forward.’

A third X user, Joe Russo, said: ‘It’s kinda sad to see the last family-owned movie franchise handed over to the suits, and I’m sure Amazon MGM is salivating, BUT…

‘DON’T cinematic universe James Bond. It is one of our last, great theatrical events. Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs.’