The former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has lauded Cillian Murphy, saying he would make a “magnificent” 007. Brosnan was speaking at the Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles and was asked by the BBC about his choice for the next Bond. Brosnan stated, “Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty’s Secret Service.”
There have recently been rumours about Murphy being considered for the role of James Bond. The rumours especially grew after his success in Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-nominated film Oppenheimer. However, during a conversation with the BBC at the event, Murphy reportedly mentioned that he was unaware of any speculation regarding his potential casting as Bond.
According to People magazine, Murphy has ruled himself out for the role of James Bond. He reportedly explained to the red carpet press at the event that, at 47 years old, he considers himself “a bit old” to assume the role. Producers are allegedly seeking a “thirty-something” actor who could lead the franchise for at least a decade.
From 1995 to 2002, Brosnan played James Bond in four different films: GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day. He then passed on the role to Daniel Craig, who played the enigmatic spy in five films between 2006 and 2021.
Since Craig’s departure, rumours have circulated about who will take over as 007. Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Regé-Jean Page are among the more well-known names that have been mentioned, although nothing substantial has been verified as of yet.
Murphy’s portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film Oppenheimer has significantly elevated his profile during the past year. Having already won the BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG awards this season, he is highly likely to win the Best Actor Oscar on Sunday for his performance. He faces up against Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Bradley Cooper (Maestro), and Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers).
Meanwhile, Murphy’s Oppenheimer co-star, Clay Bunker, claimed in an interview with The Sun that Murphy had one unique quality that makes him ideal for this role. Bunker stated, “He would fare beautifully.”
He added, “It’s funny” because, despite being the kindest person alive, Cillian has a dark side, and Bond also has a dark side. He continued by saying that we occasionally forget that Bond is a really gloomy figure, much like the one Fleming envisioned.
“He just happens to be on the side that we call good. Cillian has that ability to tap into that.”
There are certainly plenty of directors eager to make their stamp on the Bond series. Filmmakers Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan have spoken openly about their aspirations to direct a James Bond film, calling the chance a “privilege” but acknowledging that it is not without difficulties, particularly in the post-Craig period.
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