Helen Mirren Says That Even as a Feminist, ‘You Can’t Have a Woman’ Playing James Bond: ‘It Just Doesn’t Work’

Helen Mirren expresses her view that a female should not play the role of James Bond. In an interview conducted alongside her co-star Pierce Brosnan for their movie, “The Thursday Murder Club,” the renowned actress shared that despite her advocacy for feminism, she believes that the iconic spy character must be portrayed by a man to maintain the essence of Bond. Mirren’s statements are a reflection of her previous criticisms of the Bond franchise earlier in 2025. The 80-year-old Oscar winner emphasized that the character of James Bond is synonymous with masculinity, and altering this fundamental aspect would fundamentally change the identity of the role.

Mirren’s comments were part of an interview with Saga magazine, where she discussed her role as a retired spy named Elizabeth in “The Thursday Murder Club.” Elaborating on her perspective, Mirren highlighted that while her character in the movie presents a more realistic portrayal of a spy, the fun element associated with Bond’s character is unmatched. The actress underlined her belief that the essence of James Bond lies in the character being male, and deviating from this would transform the iconic role into something entirely different.

The veteran actress further reiterated her stance, stating that the very core of James Bond as a character must remain unchanged to preserve its unique identity. She acknowledged the historical significance and portrayal of women in the Bond movies, expressing her disapproval of the sexism inherent in the franchise. Mirren pointed out the importance of showcasing the stories of real-life extraordinary women who have been integral to intelligence services, emphasizing their courage and contributions to the Secret Service.

As discussions around the casting of the next James Bond continue following Daniel Craig’s tenure as the super-spy, Helen Mirren’s opinions add a distinctive perspective to the ongoing narrative. Her critical views on the representation of women in the Bond series align with her earlier statements about the franchise not resonating with her personal preferences. Despite her reservations about the Bond films, Mirren remains appreciative of her past co-stars like Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, expressing her admiration for their performances within the franchise.

Pierce Brosnan, a former James Bond himself, stood in support of Helen Mirren’s perspective on the portrayal of women in the spy series. Sharing his insights at a premiere event, Brosnan acknowledged the validity of Mirren’s criticisms while also recognizing the complexities and nuances within the world of James Bond created by Ian Fleming. The actor expressed his eagerness to witness the evolution of the character under new actors, emphasizing his continued interest and connection to the Bond legacy.

As the entertainment industry anticipates the next steps for the James Bond franchise, the voices of influential figures like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan carry weight in shaping the ongoing discourse. Their candid reflections on the portrayal of gender roles and the depiction of women within the spy genre offer a deeper insight into the evolving landscape of cinematic representation. With the upcoming release of “The Thursday Murder Club” on Netflix, audiences can engage with Mirren’s nuanced performances and her broader commentary on the dynamics of iconic characters like James Bond.