Helen Mirren Criticizes James Bond Franchise and Opposes Female 007

The actress calls for original stories about real women in espionage, citing the franchise's 'profound sexism' and its historical portrayal of women.

Helen Mirren has voiced strong criticism of the James Bond franchise, describing it as 'born out of profound sexism' and opposing the idea of a female James Bond.
She advocates for films about real-life women in espionage, highlighting the bravery of women in the French Resistance as an example of compelling untold stories.
Amazon MGM Studios, which took creative control of the franchise in February 2025, has yet to confirm the future direction of James Bond, including casting decisions.
Mirren praised former Bond actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, calling them gracious and lovely individuals, despite her broader critique of the franchise.
The debate over evolving the portrayal of women in the Bond series continues, with Mirren's comments reigniting discussions about representation and original female-led stories.