Helen Mirren’s Bold Take on the Future of James Bond: ‘The Franchise Is Drenched in Sexism’

As the search for the next James Bond continues, many fans and industry experts are speculating about which actor will step into the iconic role following Daniel Craig’s departure after No Time to Die (2021). While names like Tom Hardy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and others are frequently mentioned as potential candidates, one notable voice in the conversation comes from an unexpected source: Helen Mirren.

Mirren, the Oscar-winning British actress best known for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006), has a deep connection to the James Bond franchise. She appeared in a supporting role as Dr. Caroline Wilson in GoldenEye (1995), opposite Pierce Brosnan, and is also related to Tania Mallet, who portrayed Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger (1964). Despite her ties to the series, Mirren has voiced strong opinions about the direction of the franchise and the portrayal of women within it, especially in light of the upcoming casting of the next Bond.

Helen Mirren’s Take on the Gender Debate

In a recent interview with The Standard on March 27, 2025, Mirren did not mince words when discussing the James Bond franchise’s legacy. While she acknowledged the significance of the character, she made it clear that she does not believe in the idea of a female James Bond. She stated, “The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” and added that she had never liked the way women were portrayed in the Bond films. Mirren’s critique centered on the franchise’s historical tendency to marginalize female characters, often relegating them to stereotypical roles.

Mirren opposed the idea of casting a female Bond, emphasizing that the focus should shift toward telling stories about extraordinary women who have played key roles in espionage, such as those who served in the Secret Service or in the French Resistance during World War II. She argued that the storylines in the James Bond universe could be expanded to explore these women’s bravery and contributions, rather than altering the gender of the central character.

No Preference for a Specific Actor, But A Focus on Representation

While Mirren has been involved with the James Bond franchise, there’s no evidence to suggest she has publicly endorsed any specific actor to succeed Daniel Craig. Although she has worked alongside Tom Hardy in the upcoming MobLand (2025), where Hardy plays a fixer and Mirren portrays a crime matriarch, there is no indication that Mirren has weighed in on his potential to take over as 007. Similarly, her professional relationship with former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan in MobLand does not seem to suggest that she would advocate for his return to the role.

Mirren’s views reflect a broader conversation within the industry about representation in iconic roles. She has never explicitly named a successor for Craig, but her comments indicate that she believes the James Bond character should remain male, consistent with the franchise’s historical casting. However, she also advocates for the inclusion of strong female characters in the Bond universe, whether through supporting roles or spin-off stories that focus on the women who have worked in the espionage world.

A Call for More Female-Driven Stories in the Bond Universe

While Mirren is opposed to a female Bond, her desire for more complex female characters within the James Bond franchise could influence future developments. In fact, she has previously voiced interest in seeing a film focused on M, the character played by Dame Judi Dench, suggesting that the world of James Bond could be expanded to explore more stories centered on women in espionage. This vision aligns with a growing trend in Hollywood, where franchises are diversifying to include stories about strong women in traditionally male-dominated genres.

Her stance contrasts with others in the industry, like actress Gillian Anderson, who has expressed interest in playing Bond herself, sparking a debate over gender roles in iconic film characters. Mirren’s perspective, which leans toward honoring the history of Bond while also advocating for greater representation of women, highlights the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in the ongoing discussion about the future of 007.

Conclusion: A Future for Bond with Room for Change

Helen Mirren may not have a specific actor in mind to take over the mantle of James Bond, but her comments provide valuable insight into how the franchise could evolve in the years to come. Her opposition to a female Bond is clear, but her call for more stories about women in espionage suggests a possible shift toward more inclusive narratives within the James Bond universe. Whether through stronger supporting roles or spin-offs, Mirren’s vision highlights the need for the series to address its past gender imbalances without altering the core identity of the iconic character.

As the search for the next Bond continues, Mirren’s perspective offers an intriguing point of reflection for both the franchise and its fans: it’s not just about who will play Bond, but how the world around him can evolve to reflect a broader, more inclusive range of stories.