Former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan has revealed he would be open to making a comeback to the James Bond franchise under certain conditions.
The 72-year-old star indicated that if acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, who is set to direct the next Bond film, presented him with an opportunity, he would give it serious consideration.
“I don’t think anyone wants to see a craggy, 72-year-old Bond, but if [next 007 director Denis] Villeneuve had something up his sleeve I would look at it in a heartbeat,” Mr Brosnan told Radio Times.
The actor, who portrayed the suave spy in four films during his tenure, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility whilst acknowledging the unconventional nature of such a return at his age.
When asked about the prospect of returning to the iconic role, Mr Brosnan displayed a sense of humour about how such a comeback might work.
“Why not? It’s great entertainment. It could be lots of laughs. Bald caps, prosthetics… who knows?” he remarked during the Radio Times conversation.
The Irish actor suggested that whilst there are numerous strong contenders for the next Bond, he remains confident the franchise will deliver exceptional entertainment.
“There are many great candidates out there, I’m sure they’re going to make it a spectacle of delight,” he stated.
Reflecting on his approach to potential opportunities, Mr Brosnan added: “You hope and pray for courage for whenever that moment comes, so that you can carry yourself through it all.”
Mr Brosnan took on the role of the British secret agent across a seven-year period, beginning with GoldenEye in 1995.
His tenure as 007 continued through Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and concluded with Die Another Day in 2002.
Following his departure from the spy franchise, the actor pursued diverse projects that showcased his versatility.
He notably appeared in the musical comedy Mamma Mia! and reprised his role in the sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
His latest project sees him portraying Ron Ritchie in Netflix’s adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, which is based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel.
The film marks another collaboration between Mr Brosnan and director Chris Columbus.
The comments emerged as Mr Brosnan attended the premiere of his new Netflix film, where he discussed reuniting with filmmaker Chris Columbus.
“Chris Columbus, is an old pal. We’d made Mrs Doubtfire and Percy Jackson together and he seems to come around every ten years or so with wonderful jobs for me,” Mr Brosnan explained in a separate interview.
The actor revealed his enthusiasm for the project after receiving the screenplay.
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“So, he sent me the script and I loved it, and then I read the book,” he said, praising screenwriter Katy Brand’s work: “Katy Brand did a magnificent adaptation of the book – filleting it and creating the essence of characters and storyline.”
Mr Brosnan concluded his interview with the publication with philosophical observations about his current outlook. “For now, I just greet each day with gratitude. Time past, time present, time future,” he reflected.