Washington [US], March 30: Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren has voiced her strong opposition to the James Bond franchise, citing its historical portrayal of women as a major concern.
In an interview with Deadline, Mirren revealed that she has never been a fan of the Bond series, despite admiring former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, with whom she will soon reunite in Guy Ritchie’s MobLand.
“The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond,” Mirren stated.
She also dismissed the idea of a female James Bond, arguing that real-life female spies should be given more recognition instead of altering a male-centric character.
“The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism. Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, and very brave.”
Bond Franchise Undergoing Major Changes
Mirren’s remarks come at a time when the Bond franchise is in transition, with Amazon MGM Studios taking over creative control from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The studio is reportedly considering fresh directions for the 007 legacy, including diversifying its storytelling and possibly redefining the lead character.
The Bond series has faced long-standing criticism for its treatment of female characters, particularly in its earlier films. However, recent entries like Skyfall (2012) and No Time to Die (2021) have made efforts to portray stronger, more independent female characters.
Despite this evolution, Mirren remains skeptical of the franchise’s approach to gender dynamics, advocating instead for original stories that spotlight real female intelligence agents.
Her comments reignite the debate on whether the Bond franchise should modernize or stay true to its origins.