Dame Helen Mirren has shared her thoughts over the debate surrounding James Bond and whether a woman should take on the role in the next film.
The 80-year-old veteran actress was recently asked whether she thinks it's time for a female to take on the coveted 007 role.
Mrs Mirren responded simply with four words: "No, it wouldn't work."
However, she went on to clarify: "There have been some amazing women who've worked in the secret services with incredible courage, but James Bond is a bloke."
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Helen Mirren believes a woman shouldn't be taking on the role of James Bond
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Speaking to the Daily Star, she concluded: "There's room for a great movie about a great female agent, but James Bond is James Bond."
The topic of Bond's next gender isn't the only subject up for discussion regarding the franchise, with no confirmed actor having been announced since Daniel Craig stepped down from the role in 2021.
Producers confirmed earlier this year that a new film is indeed in development by Amazon MGM Studios after the company took control of the films following a £770 million deal.
Many potential 007 actor names have been circulating in the past four years, from Aaron Taylor-Johnson to Idris Elba.
Meanwhile, former Bond Pierce Brosnan, 72, also revealed his take on whether or not a woman should be the starring role in the upcoming film.
Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan also shared his thoughts on the subject
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When asked the same question, Mr Brosnan replied: "Oh, I think it has to be a man."
Speaking to Saga magazine, he also shared some advice for whoever takes on the role, stating: "I wish them well.
"I'm so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. I adore the world of James Bond.
"It's been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving. And I'm just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: 'Show us what you're going to do.'"
However, the response differs from the Irish actor's previous comments made in 2019.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the time, he stated a woman taking on the Bond character would be "exciting" and "exhilarating." He went on to conclude it was time "to put a woman up there".
Among the rumoured names believed to be favourites in line for the next 007 is Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy.
While his name remains only on the list of speculated actors up for the job, the Irish star seemed to have received his biggest boost yet earlier this month.
Daniel Craig played James Bond from 2006 to 2021
| UNIVERSAL PICTURESOne significant person who has backed Mr Murphy's potential casting for the role is Brian Cox.
The actor delved into his hopes for the future of the franchise, and Murphy was the only man who entered his thinking.
"Well, I’m not scanning the papers every day going, 'Goodness, what’s the latest?’" Mr Cox admitted.
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Daniel Craig was the latest 007 but stepped down in 2021
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"Sean Connery was fantastic, as were Roger Moore, Pierce [Brosnan] and Daniel [Craig], and the next Bond will probably be equally good and have a unique individuality of his own – or her own, if it’s a woman.
"Is Cillian Murphy being recommended?" Mr Cox added to Radio Times. "I think that would be interesting."