Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan praised Cillian Murphy, stating he would be a “magnificent” 007. Brosnan made the remarks at the Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles when asked by the BBC about his pick for the next Bond. Brosnan affirmed,
“Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty’s Secret Service.”
Recent rumors have surfaced regarding Murphy’s potential casting as James Bond, particularly following his success in Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-nominated film, Oppenheimer.
However, during a conversation with the BBC at the event, Murphy reportedly expressed unawareness of any speculation surrounding his potential role as Bond.
Murphy has ruled himself out for the role of James Bond, citing his age as a factor. At 47 years old, he expressed to the red carpet press at the event that he considers himself “a bit old” for the role.
Allegedly, producers are seeking a “thirty-something” actor who could lead the franchise for at least a decade.
From 1995 to 2002, Brosnan portrayed James Bond in four films: GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day. He subsequently handed over the role to Daniel Craig, who starred as the iconic spy in five films from 2006 to 2021.
Following Craig’s exit, speculation has swirled regarding the next 007. Names like Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Regé-Jean Page have surfaced, but no concrete announcements have been made.
Murphy’s portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film Oppenheimer has significantly boosted his profile over the past year.
With wins at the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG awards, he’s poised to clinch the Best Actor Oscar on Sunday. Competing against Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Bradley Cooper (Maestro), and Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers).
Meanwhile, Murphy’s Oppenheimer co-star, Clay Bunker, told The Sun that Murphy possessed a unique quality ideal for the role. Bunker remarked, “He would fare beautifully.”
“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 leave their mark on the Bond series. Filmmakers Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan have openly expressed their aspirations to direct a James Bond film, considering it a “privilege” despite acknowledging the challenges, especially in the post-Craig period.
