With Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond ending, there is some uncertainty regarding the franchise’s future. Who will play the next spy on screen? The Man of Steel actor, Henry Cavill fought for the role of the titular James Bond. But, he was reportedly passed over because movie producers preferred a younger Bond.
Well, did you know that, before Cavill, a different James Bond actor criticized the franchise for dumping him in favor of a younger actor? Yes, it was Pierce Brosnan. He played the secret agent in four movies from 1995 to 2002 and is still regarded as one of the most recognizable James Bond actors.
Fans all over the world fell in love with the character because of his suave, debonair, and effortlessly cool portrayal of the character. Therefore, it is not surprising that fans were shocked to learn that he was not returning to the franchise.
The 70-year-old Irish actor had roles in four James Bond movies, the last of which, Die Another Day, was the franchise’s (at the time) highest-grossing release.
Craig, however, took his place. In fact, Brosnan once admitted that he himself never left, instead, the franchise’s creators fired him.
Pierce Brosnan Was Hurt And Angry By The Sudden Decision Of His Replacement
James Bond, one of the most well-known fictional characters, has been portrayed by a number of actors. Pierce Brosnan, an Irish actor, was one of those actors who brought a special charm to the role. But all of a sudden, The Ice House actor, Daniel Craig took his place.
There were speculations about who would take over for Pierce Brosnan as James Bond when he retired from the role in 2002. However, it appeared that even Brosnan himself was completely unprepared for Daniel Craig to eventually succeed him as the next James Bond.
When the GoldenEye star was informed that he would not be able to reprise the role, he reportedly became utterly enraged.
In a 2005 candid chat with Playboy, Brosnan finally addressed the subject, admitting that the decision of his unexpected firing had given him anger and hurt. He admitted that he thought he still had a lot to contribute to the role and expressed surprise at the news:
“It was kind of shocking to have ageism come on me when I was just getting started. It’s shocking to be told that you’re too old, that you’re past your sell-by date.”
Given how close he was to the producers, Brosnan also did not like how abruptly he was fired.
“It’s bloody frustrating that the f*****s pulled out the rug when they did. It was like, ‘Come on, we’re family here.’ You talk about being a family. You knew my late wife; you know my family now.”
Why Did Henry Cavill Lose the 007 Race?
The hunt for the next James Bond actor has begun, two years after the release of No Time to Die (2021). But Henry Cavill will not be getting another chance to land his dream job. Why?
Cavill and many other candidates are completely eliminated from the race because the Bond franchise is currently looking for a much younger actor, according to Ross King of IGN’s Lorraine.
“The latest rumor – and in some ways part of this is very much true – which is, basically, the Bond producers are looking for a younger Bond. Someone is probably in their 30s. At the end of the day, they want someone who will be Bond for the next three movies.”
Henry Cavill, who is 40 years old, can no longer play James Bond because the age requirement for the role has been established. He has got at least three installments planned, and by the time he gets there, he will be in his 40s and probably not look the part.
Anyway, despite the heartbreaking letdown, Pierce Brosnan has since moved on to other projects and has kept up his successful Hollywood career. He will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest James Bond actors, and thus, there can be no denying that.
Consequently, as we watch Daniel Craig’s adventures as Agent 007, let us remember Pierce Brosnan, who brought his own special charm, and sophistication to the role. Even though his time as the spy is over, his influence on the series will be felt for many years to come.
Every James Bond film is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Source- Playboy
