The James Bond franchise has long been among the most popular Hollywood has to offer, but not everyone is a fan. Celebrated Oscar winner Helen Mirren is making it known she's never cared much for the 007 films, no matter how much she might love the actors who've played the iconic character.Mirren discussed her feelings about James Bond in a new interview with The Standard, given how she co-stars with former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan in the new series MobLand. Her late cousin, Tania Mallet, was also a former Bond girl with her role in 1964's Goldfinger. Be that as it may, Mirren herself explained how she's never been a fan of the franchise, in large part due to how female characters are utilized.
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“I have to say I was never a great ward [of Bond],” Mirren noted. “, I mean massive fan. I mean, oh my god. Obviously, he’s gorgeous and everything, and I think he’s fabulous in MobLand, but he also happens to be one of the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure to work with. And indeed Daniel Craig, who I’ve met and know a little bit. Again, .”
I have to say I was never a great ward [of Bond].
Mirren continued, “The whole series of James Bond, . It really wasn’t. I never liked James Bond..”
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With the James Bond franchise soon heading in a new direction, there has been speculation that the character could become gender-swapped with a female Bond stepping up in the next film. Mirren would not be on board with this idea, either, given that the franchise as a whole is "drenched and born out of profound sexism." She would prefer to see original stories told based on some of the real-life brave women from throughout history.
“The whole concept of James Bond is,” Mirren explained. “Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been. And very brave. If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they’re amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who've worked in that world.”
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is heavily rumored to be the next actor to portray James Bond, but there's no word yet on when the next 007 will be officially announced. As per a recent development, longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will no longer be handling the creative direction of the character. Amy Pascal and David Heyman have since signed on to take control moving forward.
MobLand will premiere on Paramount+ on March 30, 2025.
Source: The Standard
Power struggles erupt in London's criminal underworld as the Harrigans and Stevensons, two rival crime families, engage in a deadly battle threatening to dismantle empires and shatter lives. Caught in the crossfire is Harry Da Souza, a street-smart fixer whose loyalties are tested amidst the chaos. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, Pierce Brosnan as crime patriarch Conrad Harrigan, and Helen Mirren as matriarch Maeve Harrigan.
