LONDON: Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan believes filmmakers could surprise audiences by overlooking the established actors currently linked with the iconic role and choosing a relatively unknown performer as the next 007.
Speaking to The Times, Brosnan said he now considered himself simply a member of the audience and was looking forward to discovering who would succeed Daniel Craig.
The 73-year-old actor said several talented performers remained in contention. However, he suggested producers could ultimately “go left-field” and select someone unfamiliar to most audiences.
Brosnan Declines to Name His Preferred Candidate
Brosnan declined to identify a personal favourite, joking that his wife had advised him to avoid commenting because anything he said could quickly attract attention.
Nevertheless, actor Tom Ellis revealed that Brosnan had privately told him he would “make a good Bond.”
Ellis, known for “Lucifer” and currently promoting spy drama “CIA,” welcomed the compliment but joked that he might now be too old to take over the role.
Brosnan portrayed James Bond in four films: “GoldenEye,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “The World Is Not Enough” and “Die Another Day.”
Several Actors Reportedly Remain in Bond Race
Meanwhile, auditions for the still-untitled 26th Bond film have reportedly been taking place since the summer.
Denis Villeneuve is expected to direct the next instalment, while speculation continues over who will become the franchise’s new leading man.
Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Harris Dickinson are among the actors reportedly linked with the role.
However, the studio has not officially confirmed any candidate.
Consequently, Brosnan’s suggestion leaves open the possibility that the next Bond could emerge from outside the widely reported group of contenders.
