Brosnan Weighs In on Next James Bond Casting
Former 007 Pierce Brosnan shared his views on the candidates for the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios Bond adaptation.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Film — General
Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan weighed in on the casting battle for the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios Bond adaptation, speaking with Vanity Fair. Judi Dench also gave her thoughts on the franchise and who should take up the Martini.
Why it matters
The casting of the next James Bond is one of the most closely watched decisions in the film industry, and comments from past stars shape public debate about the franchise's direction. Brosnan's remarks reflect how former actors remain influential voices as the series moves toward a new era.
Judi Dench portrayed M in eight Bond movies, beginning with GoldenEye in 1995 and ending with Skyfall in 2012. The next Bond actor has not been announced in the available reporting.
The players
Pierce Brosnan
Irish actor who played James Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002, including GoldenEye and Die Another Day.
Judi Dench
British actress who played M, the head of MI6, in eight James Bond films and won an Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love.
The details
Brosnan gave his views in an interview with Vanity Fair, backing his favorite candidate from the list of actors being discussed. He said he is now an audience member rather than a participant, and noted he has worked with Callum Turner, one of the names in the discussion. Dench also shared her thoughts on the franchise and who should get the Martini.
Timeline
1995: Judi Dench's run as M began with GoldenEye.
2012: Dench's run as M ended with Skyfall.
November 3, 2026: ScreenRant published an article on Bond actors' verdicts.
Franchise Legacy
The casting debate for the next Bond follows the long run of Judi Dench as M, which spanned GoldenEye in 1995 through Skyfall in 2012. Former stars like Pierce Brosnan, who played 007 in the GoldenEye era, now weigh in as the franchise prepares a new Amazon MGM Studios chapter.
The next Bond film will be released through Amazon MGM Studios, so the distribution platform and release timing will determine where and how audiences can see it. Casting announcements will shape which actor fans can expect to see in the role.
The takeaway
Casting debates around long-running franchises often reflect how audiences connect a character to the actors who defined it. Watching how studios balance legacy expectations with new direction offers a useful lens on how film series evolve.
Further reading
For more on the franchise's history and recent entries, see Film — General.
