Helen Mirren Slams James Bond’s Sexism, and Pierce Brosnan’s Surprising Reaction!

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2025, here I am, utterly captivated by the TV lineup that showcases the undeniable talent of the illustrious Helen Mirren. This Oscar-winning actress is proving she can hold her own as a bona fide TV star, gracing our screens with compelling performances in not one but two series: “1923,” the prequel to “Yellowstone” and the gripping gangster drama “MobLand.” Both shows are available through a Paramount+ subscription. In “MobLand,” Mirren shares the screen with another film and TV legend, Pierce Brosnan, creating a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been – two iconic figures playing James Bond and M. However, Mirren’s comments regarding the perceived sexism in the James Bond character put those dreams to rest.

If someone believed that Brosnan would defy his fellow actor by advocating for the character of James Bond created by Ian Fleming, they were mistaken. Here’s a breakdown of the situation.

Many thought Brosnan would speak out against his co-star to support the James Bond character from Ian Fleming, but that wasn’t the case. Let me explain what actually happened.

Helen Mirren Calls Out James Bond’s Sexism

During a promotional event for the movie “MobLand”, Helen Mirren had an interview with “The Standard” where she discussed working alongside Pierce Brosnan once more, 45 years since they both acted together in the 1980 film “The Long Good Friday”. The conversation steered towards the James Bond franchise, with the recent change of ownership from Eon Productions to Amazon MGM becoming a point of interest. Notably, Amy Pascal and David Heyman now lead the company, following the departure of Jennifer Salke from her position. Unsurprisingly, Mirren, who played Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen”, openly expressed her admiration for the franchise.

To be honest, the entire James Bond series has never resonated with me. It just didn’t click. I’ve never been a fan of James Bond, and that includes my feelings towards his portrayal of women throughout the series.

Without a doubt, the actress expressed deep admiration and gratitude towards Pierce Brosnan personally, and even offered a warm acknowledgment to Daniel Craig, describing them as incredibly kind and courteous individuals. However, this praise does not encompass the characters they portrayed together. To quote her directly:

The image of James Bond embodies a deep-rooted and historical sexism, but it’s crucial to remember that women have played significant roles in intelligence services throughout history. They have been incredibly brave and resilient, as evidenced by their actions during the French Resistance. Instead, I would focus on sharing authentic stories about exceptional women who have made a mark in this field.

Helena Mirren shares a family connection with a past Bond girl, Tania Mallet, who played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger. It’s uncertain if Mallet’s experiences on the movie influenced Mirren’s current views, but it’s likely that the numerous Bond films released after Goldfinger also had some impact.

Pierce Brosnan Reacts To The James Bond Comments

In the ’90s and early ’00s, Pierce Brosnan played the suave, martini-swirling James Bond villain in four films. It wouldn’t be surprising if he felt protective about this iconic role, given its portrayal of a womanizing character. Yet, when People asked for his thoughts on the criticisms, Brosnan didn’t seem offended at all. Instead, he showed support by praising her, stating:

She let them have it.

Certainly, it’s understandable that one might not dare to contradict Helen Mirren, especially when she shares her opinion about something as iconic as James Bond’s martini preference. In such a situation, one might simply offer a box filled with stirrers instead.

Still, Brosnan didn’t publicly endorse his “MobLand” co-star’s views, instead highlighting that James Bond’s portrayal of women in the films, at least, stays true to the original source material. He further added:

As a movie enthusiast, I acknowledge that there’s a shared understanding. However, the universe and creative liberty within the stage set by Ian Fleming for Bond are vast. Therefore, tension is inevitable and part of the charm.

In other words, it’s possible that in upcoming James Bond media, the suave and stylish protagonist might develop a more sensitive and caring side towards women, deviating slightly from his traditional image of heavy drinking and socializing, instead leaning more towards being a considerate ladies man.

Let’s observe the situation and find out how it unfolds. In the meantime, don’t miss the opportunity to watch both Mirren and Brosnan on “MobLand”, a show that sparked instant responses from viewers as soon as new episodes debut on Paramount+ every Sunday.

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2025-04-04 17:07