Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren recently shared her hot take on the James Bond franchise and its representation of women.
After a 60+ year cinematic run, the 007 property is currently undergoing major changes as Amazon MGM Studios recently took over the creative control of the franchise and is shepherding the iconic spy into a new territory.
Helen Mirren Admits She 'Never Liked' James Bond
In a recent interview, Mirren admitted that she was never a fan of the James Bond franchise and she always had issues with its portrayal of women.
"The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn’t. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond. The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism," she said.
"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."
Despite her hot take on the franchise, the Oscar winner clarified that she has no issues with the actors who have played the iconic character, such as Pierce Brosnan, her co-star in the new Paramount+ series MobLand.
"I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan. 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," Mirren said.
"And indeed Daniel Craig, who I’ve met and know a little bit. Again, a very lovely gracious person."
Amazon MGM Takes Over the Creative Control of the James Bond Franchise
Last February, it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios took over full creative control of the James Bond franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
The studio reportedly paid around $1 billion for the deal. As a result, they will now decide the future of the franchise, such as their film plans and potential TV spinoffs for Prime Video.
The shocking news made huge waves around Hollywood as it drew mixed reactions from the industry, former stars of the franchise, and fans with concerns that they will exploit the property to endless levels.
Recently, Amy Pascal and David Heyman have closed a deal to serve as producers of the next James Bond movie, making them in charge of deciding who will direct and star as the new 007.
What do you think of Mirren's hot take on the 007 franchise? Let us know in the comments!
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