Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan thinks Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy would “do a magnificent job” playing 007.
Brosnan, who portrayed the famous spy in four films from 1995 to 2002, gave his endorsement for Murphy to take the coveted Bond role while speaking to the BBC at the annual Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles on March 7, telling the outlet, “Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty’s Secret Service.”
People magazine reports that Murphy, however, ruled himself out for the role, explaining to red carpet press at the event that, at 47 years of age, he thinks he’s “a bit old” to take the Bond mantle. After all, producers are reportedly looking for a “thirty-something” actor who could star in the storied franchise for at least a decade.
Brosnan passed the 007 baton to Daniel Craig, who had the longest tenure as Bond, spanning five films from his first outing in 2006’s Casino Royale to his swan song in 2021’s No Time to Die. Producers are now looking to “reinvent” the series but have not even begun that process yet, leaving a question mark over the Bond role.
Henry Cavill is a hot favourite since he previously auditioned for the Bond role but lost out to Craig at the time despite the director apparently preferring him. Other big names floated include Taron Egerton, Idris Elba, and Dwayne Johnson, but these actors have either quelled rumors or they don’t fit the criteria for the next 007.
There is also no shortage of directors wanting to put their mark on the Bond franchise. Filmmakers Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan have both been vocal in their desires to helm a 007 adventure, labelling the opportunity a “privilege” but one that doesn’t come without its challenges, especially in the post-Craig era.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter @AdeleAnkers.
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