Female James Bond? No way, the super spy has to be a guy, says ‘feminist’ Helen Mirren; check the list of actors who have played the iconic character

In the ongoing debate about the future of the iconic James Bond character, Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren has taken a definitive stance: James Bond must remain a male character.

Speaking to Saga Magazine, Mirren stated, “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else”.

Mirren, who plays a retired spy in the upcoming film "The Thursday Murder Club" alongside former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, reflected on the gender dynamics within espionage narratives.


She acknowledged the vital and courageous roles that real women have played in intelligence and resistance histories but differentiated this from the entertainment and character essence of James Bond, which she believes is inherently masculine and part of its appeal. “Many women have operated in that world… but it’s not as entertaining as Bond!” she said.

Mirren's remarks come at a time of heightened speculation about who will take over the role since Daniel Craig's departure in 2021 and following Amazon MGM Studios' acquisition of the Bond franchise.

The studio is poised to produce the next installment with Denis Villeneuve, ‘Dune’ director, directing and ‘Peaky Blinder’s’ creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. While a fresh vision is expected, longtime fans and key industry figures like Mirren emphasize retaining Bond’s traditionally male identity.

Pierce Brosnan supports Mirren’s viewpoint, expressing optimism for the next male actor to bring new energy to Bond’s legacy. Brosnan stated, “I wish them well. I’m so excited to see the next man come on stage and bring a whole new exuberance and life for this character.” He reminisced fondly on his own tenure as 007 and now enjoys watching from the sidelines.

The conversation about a female Bond has not been without controversy. While some industry voices and fans advocate for a gender switch to modernize the franchise, Mirren and others highlight the character's origins and traditions. Mirren herself has described James Bond’s character as historically steeped in sexism but sees rewriting him as a woman possibly changing the entire character’s nature, thus creating a different kind of story altogether.

Amazon’s $1 billion acquisition of Bond rights signals new chapters ahead, but with established preferences for maintaining the male Bond legacy by influential actors, the debate remains vibrant but with clear traditionalist leanings for now.

All actors who have played James Bond

Sean Connery was the original iconic Bond, starring in seven films from 1962 to 1967, then returning for two later appearances including the non-EON Never Say Never Again in 1983. He is widely considered the definitive James Bond, known for his charismatic and rugged portrayal.

David Niven played Bond in the 1967 satirical version of Casino Royale, which is not part of the official EON Productions series but a unique comedic take on the character.

George Lazenby, an Australian actor, portrayed Bond only once in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) before unexpectedly quitting the role.

Roger Moore starred as Bond from 1973 to 1985 in seven films, bringing a lighter, more humorous and suave style to the character with titles like The Spy Who Loved Me and Live and Let Die.

Timothy Dalton took over in the late 1980s, playing a darker and more serious Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989), aiming for a more realistic tone.

Pierce Brosnan revived the franchise in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits such as GoldenEye(1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), blending charm with action.

Daniel Craig redefined Bond starting in 2006 with a grittier and more emotionally complex portrayal, starring in five films including Casino Royale (2006) and No Time to Die (2021), bringing critical acclaim and box office success.