Pierce Brosnan singles out one James Bond contender: “He’s so strong”
Pierce Brosnan has backed a contender to inherit 007, saying he’s “so strong” — but who’s earned his seal of approval?
We've reached that point again: the world is speculating about the next James Bond, and former 007 Pierce Brosnan has decided to chip in with his thoughts. Brosnan spoke out about the various actors rumoured for the role, and even singled one out for a bit of extra praise. Frankly, it's a more thoughtful endorsement than we usually get from ex-franchise stars, who tend to just, you know, politely duck the question.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Brosnan said, "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."
The candidates for 007
Brosnan, for anyone who lost track after Die Another Day, played Bond four times before Daniel Craig came along and took the gig in a grimmer, more haunted direction. Now, with No Time to Die wrapping up Craig's time back in 2021, the search for the next 007 is underway, and the rumour machine has well and truly exploded.
Callum Turner is the one Brosnan talked up, and it's not just lip service—they've shared the screen before in The Only Living Boy in New York, where Turner played the lead and Brosnan played his dad. But Turner isn't the only name in the hat.
- Jack Lowden (from Slow Horses)
- Josh O'Connor (recently in Challengers)
- And an as-yet-unidentified fourth actor—because of course there has to be a mystery candidate
According to TheWrap, all three known contenders were offered a final screen test back in October. On top of that, earlier rumours tossed in names like Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, and Paul Mescal for good measure, though how close any of them have actually got is anyone's guess. Brosnan sidestepped picking a favourite, but his public shout-out for Turner probably moved a few betting markets.
Four actors were reportedly asked to do final James Bond screen tests in October 2025.
The new era
The untitled Bond outing is currently brewing at Amazon MGM Studios, with Denis Villeneuve lined up to direct and Steven Knight writing the script. In terms of casting, Nina Gold (who's basically the industry's go-to if you want a cast that gets headlines) is handling the search for Craig's replacement. So far, though, the studio hasn't actually announced its next Bond. The rumour mill just keeps turning.