Could James Bond return as a silver-haired secret agent?Pierce Brosnanthinks it’s at least worth a laugh. In a new interview, the actor — who played 007 in four films from 1995’sGoldenEyethrough 2002’sDie Another Day— admitted that while nobody’s exactly begging for a “craggy, 72-year-old Bond,” he wouldn’t say no ifDenis Villeneuveasked.
“I don’t think anyone wants to see a craggy, 72-year-old Bond, but if Villeneuve had something up his sleeve I would look at it in a heartbeat. Why not? It’s great entertainment. It could be lots of laughs. Bald caps, prosthetics… who knows?”
The playful comment comes asBrosnan headlines Netflix’sThe Thursday Murder Club, where he plays Ron Ritchie, a retired union leader who teams up with other seniors — includingHelen Mirren’sex-spy Elizabeth Best— to solve murders. The project has given him a taste of playing an older action-oriented role, something he jokes could be carried into Bond’s world if Villeneuve decided to shake (or stir) things up.
Still, Brosnan admitted he’s as curious as anyone to see who gets the official 007 mantle. After Amazon took over the franchise and locked in Villeneuve as director withPeaky BlinderscreatorSteven Knightwriting the script, fan speculation has been nonstop.
“I have been listening to the drumbeat of expectation of who’s going to be the next James Bond. There are many great candidates out there, and I’m sure they’re going to make it a spectacle of delight.”
James Bond “Should Be a Man”
Interestingly, hisThursday Murder Clubco-star Helen Mirrenhas her own strong opinion about the role. Speaking in an interview, Mirren said the part should remain male:
“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.”
While it’s unlikely Brosnan will suit up as 007 again, his willingness to revisit the character — even with tongue firmly in cheek — is another reminder of how iconic his Bond run remains. And with Villeneuve’s reboot on the horizon, the conversation around who should carry the torch (and the Walther PPK) has never been louder.
For now, Brosnan seems happy solving crimes with Mirren inThe Thursday Murder Club— but it sounds like he’d keep the tux on standby, just in case. The film premieres on Netflix on August 28.
