Dame Helen Mirren, the Oscar-winning actress, 79, is not a fan of the James Bond film franchise.
She is set to co-star with former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan in the upcoming crime series “MobLand.”
Mirren clarified that while she admires Brosnan, she cannot ignore the “sexism” present in the 007 films.
“I have to say I was never a great fan [of Bond]. I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan, I mean a massive fan… And indeed Daniel Craig, whom I’ve met and know a little bit,” Mirren told The Standard.
She continued, “The entire James Bond series, it was not my thing. It really wasn’t. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were portrayed in James Bond.”
Mirren then detailed her perception of the flawed portrayal of women, highlighting real-world achievements of women in espionage.
“The whole concept of James Bond is steeped in and originates from profound sexism. Women have always been a significant and incredibly important part of the Secret Service; they always have been, and they’ve been very brave,” she stated.
“If you hear about the actions of women in the French Resistance, they were amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So, I would prefer to tell real stories about extraordinary women who have worked in that world.”
Daniel Craig, star of “Casino Royale,” also criticized the franchise in 2015, labeling Ian Fleming’s character “very lonely,” sexist, and misogynistic.
Production on the next James Bond film is underway, having been “fast-tracked” for release following Amazon’s $1 billion deal with long-time producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, which granted Amazon MGM full creative control of the Bond franchise.
The film is expected to be released in cinemas by the end of 2027.
