- The usual rumours around James Bond being female are going around
- The franchise are sticking to their usual tradition
- Former 007 Pierce Brosnan has had his say too
The idea of a ‘female James Bond’ has been thrown around for a long time – but despite reports swirling of the possibility, it doesn’t appear it will be happening.
James Bond has traditionally been male and British and according to an insider’s comments, he’s staying that way.
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The Daily Mail reports that an internal memo was circulated at the studio “stipulating the spy will not change gender or nationality.”
A quote from an insider said: “There have been so many erroneous rumours about the future of Bond. Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”
It’s all change for James Bond now that Amazon/MGM have taken creative control of the franchise. Still, it doesn’t look like they’re going to rip up everything about James Bond that was recognisable.
What has Pierce Brosnan said?
Former 007 Pierce Brosnan has said it is a “given” that James Bond will remain British for the next film.
Brosnan recently spoke to The Telegraph and gave his verdict on the changes for the franchise.
Read more: What does Amazon MGM deal mean for James Bond
“In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, [the takeover] does come with a certain lament,” he said.
Pierce continued: “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.”
Brosnan, who is Irish, played James Bond between 1995 and 2002. He is one of only two non-British actors to have taken on the role. The other was the Australian actor George Lazenby.
So who does this rule out?
If all this does come to pass, it narrows down the criteria slightly for the next James Bond.
Read more: James Bond: Who will be the next 007?
Austin Butler, who is American, was rumoured for the role at one point. Some of the other non-British actors in contention included Jacob Elordi, who is Australian, and the Irish actors Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan.
