Pierce Brosnan, a name synonymous with James Bond for an entire generation, has once again weighed in on the qualities needed for the next actor to take on the iconic 007 mantle. With Daniel Craig's departure from the role in 2021's No Time To Die, speculation has been rife about who will be the next suave secret agent. Brosnan, who himself portrayed Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002, has offered his insights, emphasizing the importance of a specific set of traits for anyone aspiring to the role.
In recent interviews, Brosnan highlighted several essential characteristics. Speaking to MovieWeb, the actor stated that the next James Bond must possess a "good voice, good body, courage," and emphasized "great courage." Beyond the physical and perhaps obvious requirements, Brosnan stressed the importance of "a sense of humour, a passion for hard work and danger," further adding, "And being bold. Gotta be bold, gotta be dangerous. And you have gotta know yourself."
Brosnan's emphasis on humor is particularly noteworthy. Bond, while a skilled and often ruthless agent, has always had a certain wit and charm. This ability to deliver a witty remark amidst perilous situations is part of what makes the character so enduringly appealing. The "sense of humour" that Brosnan speaks of is not simply about telling jokes, but about possessing a certain lightness and self-awareness, even in the face of danger.
Beyond the specific qualities he seeks in the next Bond, Brosnan has previously expressed his opinion that the next 007 should be British. Back in March 2025, he called it a "given" that the actor should be British, expressing some worry that Amazon's takeover of the Bond franchise might dilute this essential element. He told The Daily Telegraph that Amazon should handle the character "with dignity and imagination and respect." Brosnan isn't alone in this sentiment; Timothy Dalton, who also played Bond, has voiced similar concerns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the British identity of the character.
When asked about potential candidates, Brosnan has mentioned a few names over the past year. He has previously voiced his support for Cillian Murphy, fresh off his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer, saying "Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond." More recently, he has endorsed his MobLand co-star Tom Hardy, saying that Tom would be wonderful. He also spoke highly of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, noting the actor's charisma and presence. Despite mentioning these actors, Brosnan has also stated that there are many great actors who could portray Bond.
Brosnan himself has reflected fondly on his time as James Bond, acknowledging the role's impact on his career. He recognized the physical demands of the role, warning the next Bond star to expect injuries and the need for stamina. Despite the challenges, he remembers his time as Bond as "great" and "a magical time in my life". Brosnan even teased the possibility of a return to the franchise as an older Bond figure, stating "Let's see where the wind takes us."
With the search for the next James Bond ongoing, Pierce Brosnan's insights offer valuable guidance. While physical attributes and acting talent are undoubtedly crucial, it is the combination of courage, humor, boldness, and self-awareness that will ultimately define the next actor to step into the shoes of this legendary character.
