Pierce Brosnan Is Over 007 — But Denis Villeneuve Could Change His Mind

Pierce Brosnan opens up about his 007 era in a candid interview with The Times, revealing how the thrill, pressure, and legacy of playing James Bond still shape his view of the role.

Pierce Brosnan had a very Pierce Brosnan moment: bristled at a fluffy James Bond question, apologized like a gentleman, then reminded everyone he might still pick up the Walther if the right filmmaker calls. Meanwhile, there are new rumblings about Bond 26, Denis Villeneuve, and what kind of actor they want next. Let’s untangle it.

Brosnan on Bond chat: prickly, then polite

In a recent interview with The Times, Brosnan got asked where Bond would celebrate Christmas. He was not into it and basically shut it down. Then he cooled off and apologized for the tone, saying the Bond conversation is one he’ll be fielding for the rest of his life. Fair.

Would he come back? Under one director, maybe

Back in August, talking to Radio Times, Brosnan said he would listen if Denis Villeneuve had a plan worth hearing.

'If Villeneuve had something up his sleeve, I would look at it in a heartbeat.'

Is that a formal pitch? No. But it’s the clearest he’s been about a potential return since he wrapped his four-film run in 2002.

Quick refresher: Brosnan’s 007 era by the numbers

• GoldenEye (1995) — IMDb 7.2/10; Rotten Tomatoes 80% critics, 83% audience
• Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) — IMDb 6.5/10; Rotten Tomatoes 58% critics, 53% audience
• The World Is Not Enough (1999) — IMDb 6.4/10; Rotten Tomatoes 51% critics, 49% audience
• Die Another Day (2002) — IMDb 6.1/10; Rotten Tomatoes 56% critics, 41% audience

So what’s going on with Bond 26?

Here’s the current buzz: in June, Denis Villeneuve was named as the director steering the next Bond movie, which everyone’s calling Bond 26 for now. There’s no official title yet. This would also be the first Bond film produced by Amazon MGM Studios, which is a notable shift behind the scenes.

In September, the line was that once Villeneuve finishes up Dune: Part Three, he’ll start hunting for the new 007. Deadline’s reporting the brief as a 'fresh face' who is male, British, and in the late-20s-to-early-30s range. That tracks with the franchise tradition and the Ian Fleming blueprint.

Why Villeneuve makes people perk up

The man’s resume is stacked: Incendies (2010); Prisoners (2013) with Hugh Jackman, Paul Dano, and Jake Gyllenhaal; Enemy (also 2013) with Gyllenhaal again; plus Sicario, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049. If you want a sleek, muscular spy thriller with actual atmosphere, he’s the guy you call.

Who’s in the rumor mill?

Speculation is inevitable. Names being kicked around: Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Jack Lowden. Some of those are long-shot fantasy picks, some have been in the mix before, but the brief suggests they may lean younger than most of that list.

Bottom line: Brosnan’s not eager to play Q&A games about Bond’s holiday plans, but he hasn’t shut the door on returning under Villeneuve. And if the current chatter holds, Bond 26 is gearing up with Amazon MGM for the first time and a search focused on a young British newcomer. We’ll see who actually ends up in the tux.