Helen Mirren criticises ‘James Bond’ series for franchise’s portrayal of ‘women’

Helen Mirren never liked the James Bond franchise.

The actress is reuniting with Pierce Brosnan in Guy Ritchie’s MobLand, and while she’s a self-proclaimed “massive fan” of her former co-star, she’s made it clear that his most iconic role as James Bond has never been her cup of tea.

In a recent interview with The Standard, Mirren didn’t hold back on her thoughts about the long-running spy franchise. 

“I mean, oh my god. Obviously, he’s gorgeous and everything, and I think he’s fabulous in MobLand, but he also happens to be one of the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure to work with. And indeed Daniel Craig, who I’ve met and know a little bit. Again, a very lovely gracious person,” she shared. 

But when it comes to Bond himself? Not so much. 

“The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn’t. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond.”

Given her views on the franchise’s portrayal of women, Mirren isn’t exactly on board with the idea of a female Bond either. Instead, she’d rather see real-life women spies get their due. 

“The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” she said. 

“Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been. And very brave. If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they’re amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who’ve worked in that world.”

While Mirren won’t be signing up for any Bond missions anytime soon, she’s more than happy to team up with Brosnan once again. 

And with MobLand on the way, fans will get to see the duo back in action—just without the martinis, gadgets, or shaken-not-stirred espionage.