Why Pierce Brosnan has singled out this popular James Bond frontrunner

November 4, 2026 — 8:39am

It may have been a long time since Pierce Brosnan donned James Bond’s tux, but he still knows a thing or two about what it takes to be the world’s most famous spy – and he has a name in mind.

The British star recently singled out an actor he believes is capable of carrying the 007 legacy, as speculation intensifies over which name is set to win the role. In an interview with Vanity Fair published overnight (AEDT), Brosnan says he is eager to watch the new era of the film series – and that frontrunner British actor Callum Turner is somebody he admires.

“All the men who are on the list now are actors I admire. Callum, Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan told the publication.

“They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men.”

However Brosnan did also note that he was “just an audience member now … who is eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history”.

As someone who played the iconic spy for seven years, Brosnan knows better than most what it takes to carry the coveted license to kill. The renowned actor first slipped into Bond’s tux at the age of 42 for GoldenEye, often considered one of the best in the franchise. He followed this with Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002).

Following Timothy Dalton, who played Bond in two films, Brosnan became known for his suave, witty demeanour. He is often remembered for the iconic bungee jump and tank chase scene in GoldenEye, a film largely credited for rebooting the franchise after a six-year hiatus.

Brosnan and Turner worked together on the 2017 drama The Only Living Boy in New York, in which Turner played Brosnan’s son.

On Saturday (UK time), The Sun reported that Turner appeared to be firming up as the next 007, citing evidence that he had stepped away from the production company he founded with pop star wife Dua Lipa last year.

While on Monday, The Daily Mail reported that Turner had attended Amazon MGM’s Bray Studios in the English county of Berkshire for screen tests last Friday. It also claimed that Lipa was keen to record the next Bond theme.

Turner’s name has been in the James Bond ringer alongside Jack Lowden, Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Jack Barton and Australia’s Jacob Elordi – who have already reportedly auditioned for the coveted role.

Final auditions reportedly began in late October, with reports suggesting that three to five actors had reached the final hurdle. According to Deadline, some of the finalists included Lowden, Turner and Challengers star Josh O’Connor, testing each actor’s stunt ability, dialogue, and camera presence.

On Tuesday (UK time), O’Connor, who plays Prince Charles in Netflix’s hit series The Crown, said he was “very honoured” by the speculation he could be the next 007, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, Slow Horses star Lowden also addressed the rumours, saying speculation he is in the running to be the next James Bond as “flattering”.

The 36-year-old Scottish actor, who currently plays MI5 agent River Cartwright on Apple TV’s spy thriller Slow Horses, addressed the rumours in a new interview published by GQ in the UK on Tuesday morning (AEDT).

The interview took place in September just days after Gary Oldman, who stars alongside Lowden in Slow Horses, endorsed his younger colleague.

“It’s been rumoured that [Lowden] is on the shortlist,” Oldman said in an interview with Canada’s The Morning Show on September 7 (Canadian time).

“We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him. They have made their choice but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack.”

As for Brosnan, he believes the next iteration of bond by Denis Villeneuve will be “magnificent” and provided some words for whichever actor lands the prestigious role.

“I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it’s hard to tell who it would be, but I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond,” Brosnan told Vanity Fair.

“[Villeneuve] is such an iconoclastic director. His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous. It’s going to be great. It’s going to be truly magnificent.

“Of course, we all get sentimental and nostalgic, and you have to give it time and be patient, and it’s always such a delightful game.”

Kayla Olaya is a culture reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.

Nell Geraets is a Culture reporter at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.

From our partners