Pierce Brosnan has confessed to a shocking injury he sustained while on set for the James Bond movies.
The franchise hit headlines recently when Amazon took over control, with the next movie to be produced under Amazon MGM Studios.
Consequently, past Bonds have been opening up about their experiences and placing bets on who will take over as the next 007 after Daniel Craig, 57, completed his last assignment in 2021 with No Time to Die.
Reflecting on his stint as the secret agent, Pierce, who starred in four Bond films from 1995 to 2002, including Die Another Day, has revealed it wasn’t all glamour in front of the camera.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, the 71-year-old recalled sustaining an injury to his face while filming a boat chase scene down the River Thames.
He said: ‘[The boat] goes off the river into a restaurant, drives into a restaurant, wood sliced my face open. So, went off to the hospital, stitched up.’
It’s clear he took any physical injuries in his stride, merely accepting them as part of the incredibly sought-after role.
Pierce added: ‘You live with the injuries. Daniel [Craig] threw himself at everything. He was truly magnificent. His courage to do that and to endure so much was really impressive.
‘Playing that role, you will get hurt; there’s no question about it. You have to have stamina.’
However, if you’d like to see the silver fox return to the screen as Bond, well, don’t get your hopes up.
The Irish actor has firmly shut down claims he could be playing an older version of 007, insisting it should be ‘another man’s job’ now.
Asked about rumours of his comeback on the talk show, Pierce responded: ‘No one’s spoken to me about it. I’ve heard all of the rumours. Listen, they know where to find me. Let’s see where the wind takes us.’
He later clarified: ‘It’s going to be another man’s job. I’m not looking to go there. I’m quite happy with my career. I’ve done it; it was wonderful. Delightful kind of notion to contemplate.
‘He’s with me for life [Bond]. It was great. A magical time in my life. It opened a lot of doors and allowed me to go off and form my own company and make my own movies—The Thomas Crown Affair, The Matador—it gave me access to a whole other world as an actor—employment.’
However, his remarks contradict earlier comments Pierce made to GQ in which he said he would be ‘interested’ in returning as Bond, although he conceded it would be better for ‘fresh blood’ to lead the franchise.
‘Of course, how could I not be interested? But it’s a delicate situation now. I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, really. I think so,’ he told the publication, admitting that it was ‘a rather romantic notion and idea’.
But while noting that ‘everything changes, everything falls apart’, the Black Adam star stated: ‘I think that it’s best left to another man, really.’
As for who he reckons should don the suave suit and shiny shoes next, Pierce is rooting for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who has long been the frontrunner.
The Mamma Mia star described Aaron, 34, as ‘impressive’ and said he would ‘make a very fine Bond’.
‘He was actually in one of the movies I made called The Greatest. This young man we cast as The Greatest.’
On working together, he continued: ‘He was so impressive then. He just had this charisma; he had this presence … so he would be good. But there are many men on the list, I’m sure.’
Indeed, there’s a long list of hot stars reportedly in the running for the part. Despite Aaron, known for roles in Kick Ass and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having pretty much signed on the dotted line, no official announcements have been made.
Therefore, the likes of James Norton, Idris Elba, Theo James, and René-Jean Page could still be in with a chance, as could Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden, 43, whose odds currently sit at 3/1, shooting up the list after previously sitting at 8/1.
Meanwhile, Margaret Qualley, Saoirse Ronan, Marisa Abela, and Sydney Sweeney have been eyed as possible new Bond Girls.
Fans are still awaiting an ETA on confirmation of the next leading actor, as well as a date for the release of the next instalment under Amazon.
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Until then, the likes of Pierce will keep us entertained with their tales, as this is not the first time he has weighed in on the future of Bond.
Earlier this month, he issued a plea after longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson agreed a billion-dollar deal with Amazon, giving the firm creative control.
Pierce told The Telegraph: ‘I thought it was coming for some time, I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael.
‘It takes great courage for them to let go. They will still have a say in matters. I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity, imagination, and respect.’
The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday at 9.20pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
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