Helen Mirren is no fan of James Bond’s ‘profound sexism’

Acclaimed British actress Helen Mirren has criticized the James Bond franchise. She believes it portrays women poorly. Mirren said the movies are “drenched and born out of profound sexism.”

She is currently starring in the new Paramount+ series “MobLand” with Pierce Brosnan. In an interview with The Standard, she stated, “the whole series of James Bond, it’s not my thing.”

Mirren added, “I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond.” She does not support a woman portraying the fictional spy. Instead, she wants to tell real stories about extraordinary women.

She mentioned the courageous women of the French Resistance as an example. For years, the Bond franchise has faced criticism for its portrayal of women. Early films featured "Bond girls," who were valued only for their sex appeal.

Recently, especially after the #MeToo movement, Bond has tried to change this image. Phoebe Waller-Bridge worked on the script for “No Time to Die” in 2021. Producer Barbara Broccoli noted that Waller-Bridge brought some British humor to the film.

In that movie, three female characters had more substantial roles than traditional Bond girls. Lashana Lynch played Nomi, another agent who took over as 007. Ana de Armas portrayed CIA agent Paloma, while Léa Seydoux returned as Madeleine Swann.

Discussions about the franchise's future gained attention when Amazon MGM Studios announced creative control in February. Despite her criticisms, Mirren clarified that she is a fan of some actors who have played Bond.

“I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan,” she said enthusiastically. “He’s gorgeous and fabulous in MobLand.” She also praised Daniel Craig as a lovely and gracious person she knows a little bit.