Pierce Brosnan says Denis Villeneuve’s James Bond movie will leave fans “blown away”

If you've been keeping an eye on the James Bond rumour mill, you'll know it's absolutely spiralling at the minute — with Callum Turner suddenly tipped as the next 007. Yes, even the ex-Bonds seem to be as clueless as the rest of us on who's genuinely getting handed the Aston Martin keys. Pierce Brosnan, for one, is apparently just waiting for the press release like any other punter, though he had a few polite words to say about the frontrunners.

What Brosnan Actually Thinks

Brosnan had a chat with Vanity Fair about all this chaos, and while he was diplomatic about the entire shortlist, he definitely nodded towards Turner, who he worked with on The Only Living Boy in New York. The other names floating around? Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor, both regulars on the "bookies' favourite" lists.

Here's how Brosnan described his spectator status and shared his thoughts on the finalists while chatting to Vanity Fair:

"Oh, I'm just an audience member now. I'm just the man in the street who is eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history. All the men who are on the list now are actors I admire. Callum Turner is someone I've worked with, and he's so strong. They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men. Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it's hard to tell who it would be, but I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond."

What's more, Brosnan said he's genuinely excited to see what Denis Villeneuve might bring to the director's chair for the new Bond era, and frankly, it sounds like he expects something properly spectacular:

"I think we are going to be blown away. [Villeneuve] is such an iconoclastic director. His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous. It's going to be great. It's going to be truly magnificent."

The Runners and Riders

As for the supposed "finalists", it's still all but clear-cut. Beyond Turner, there's Jack Lowden, who's been banging about as a serious contender for months—at least if you believe the UK tabloids and, apparently, Gary Oldman. Lowden himself, to his credit, isn't really having it. Asked about all this Bond speculation, he stayed modest—calling the whole fuss flattering but refusing to stoke the hype any further. Oldman, ever the cheerleader, let slip that he believes the Bond bosses already know who they want, they're just not telling the public yet. Lowden and Josh O'Connor (of The Crown and Challengers fame) are still in the mix for now, at least as far as anyone outside Eon's walls can confirm.

• Pierce Brosnan has praised all three main rumoured candidates for Bond — Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor.
• Turner stands out slightly, as Brosnan worked with him personally.
• Jack Lowden remains a tabloid favourite, with support from Gary Oldman, but insists he's not fussed by the chatter.
• Denis Villeneuve is rumoured to direct — adding another layer of properly big expectations.