Helen Mirren blasts James Bond franchise over profound sexism

Not stirred.Helen Mirren has criticized the James Bond franchise for “profound sexism” while also saying she doesn’t believe the next 007 should be female.The Oscar winner, 79, spoke about the famed fictional spy in an interview promoting her new series “MobLand,” which she stars in alongside Pierce Brosnan, 71, who played Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002.“I have to say I was never a great ward [of Bond],” Mirren told the Standard.

“I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan.I mean, oh my God.”She continued, “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.

And indeed Daniel Craig, who I’ve met and know a little bit.Again, a very lovely gracious person.”However, the franchise’s treatment of women never sat right with her.

“The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing,” she said.“It really wasn’t.

I never liked James Bond.I never liked the way women were in James Bond.”Explaining why she’s opposed to a female 007, Mirren added, “The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism.”Rather than changing the British secret agent’s gender, Mirren suggested filmmakers tell the stories of actual female spies.“Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been.

And very brave,” the “1923” star said.“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.” NYP may earn revenue on click/purchaseChatter about a woman taking over the iconic role — a perennial topic of conversation among Bond aficionados and Hollywood prognosticators — has spiked in the past month following the stunning news that 007 producers and gatekeepers Barbara Broccoli...