Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Pierce Brosnan Eyes Return as James Bond: Will Villeneuve Bring Him Back?

James Bond icon Pierce Brosnan has revealed he would return to the franchise if director Denis Villeneuve 'had something up his sleeve'; pictured March

Bond Bidding War: Pierce Brosnan Throws His Hat into the Ring

In a shocking twist, the role of James Bond is still up for grabs, and it seems like the door is open for a familiar face to return to the franchise. Yes, you read that right - Pierce Brosnan, who portrayed the iconic spy in four films, has revealed he's willing to don his tuxedo once more.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Times, the 72-year-old Irish actor dished out some tantalizing tidbits about a potential comeback. When asked if he'd be game for reprising his role as Bond, Pierce didn't hesitate: "I'd look at it in a heartbeat... If [Denis] Villeneuve had something up his sleeve, I would." The director of Dune is set to helm the latest Bond film, and Pierce seems eager to get on board.

Brosnan portrayed the British spy in four films, including 1995's GoldenEye (pictured)

But don't expect Pierce Brosnan to be trading in his script for reading glasses just yet. With his rugged good looks and dashing charm still intact, the actor has a point: "Why not? It's great entertainment. It could be lots of laughs. Bald caps, prosthetics... who knows?" And we can almost imagine the scene - Pierce strutting into MI6 HQ, sporting a gleaming smile and a head full of hair (okay, maybe not).

The thought of a senior citizen Bond has raised some eyebrows, but Pierce is undeterred: "My wife Keely [Shaye Smith] and I have been listening to the drumbeat of expectation of who's going to be the next James Bond... There are many great candidates out there." However, he's clearly warming up to the idea of being part of the action once more. As he coyly puts it: "It's the gift that keeps giving."

Pierce's tenure as Bond was marked by four notable films - GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002). Who could forget his dashing performance in GoldenEye, where he introduced the world to a revamped Bond?

Pierce, pictured 1997 as the spy, joked he didn't think 'anyone wants to see a craggy, 72-year-old Bond'

But let's get down to business. The role of 007 has been vacant since Daniel Craig bid farewell to the franchise after six films. Yes, that's right - six! With a reported $100 million earned from his time as Bond, Daniel Craig is set to be remembered as one of the most successful Bonds in history.

So who will step into Daniel's high-heeled boots? Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been touted as the frontrunner for the role. However, when asked about the possibility of becoming Bond, he remained tight-lipped: "It's not really for me to say anything."

The latest news suggests that Steven Knight, the creator of the hit BBC drama Peaky Blinders, is set to pen the script for the newest 007 film. This is a coup for the franchise, as Knight has shown his mettle in crafting gripping stories and complex characters.

In a recent interview with SAGA, Pierce - pictured in a publicity still for Tomorrow Never Dies - said the James Bond universe has been 'very good to me'

As Amazon MGM Studios takes on creative control of the latest Bond film (after Barbara Broccoli gave up her post), it's clear that this production will be nothing short of spectacular. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the movie via their respective companies - a dynamic duo with an impressive track record in the industry.

And what about our fearless leader, Denis Villeneuve? The director behind Dune is set to bring his expertise to the world of espionage, ensuring that this Bond film will be nothing short of epic. As Tanya Lapointe takes on the role of executive producer, it's clear that everyone involved is committed to delivering a cinematic experience that will leave audiences gasping.

With Pierce Brosnan throwing his hat into the ring and Aaron Taylor-Johnson waiting in the wings, one thing is certain: this Bond film will be an event for the ages. Stay tuned, folks - it's about to get interesting!

The search for the next 007 has been underway following Daniel Craig's departure from the franchise in 2021; pictured 2012 in Skyfall

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Exclusive interview with Radio Times

The next James Bond film is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve