Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has thrown his support behind Callum Turner as speculation intensifies over who will succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy, reports Deadline.
In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Brosnan praised the actors reportedly competing for the coveted role but singled out Turner, describing him as a particularly strong candidate.
“I’m just an audience member now. I’m just the man in the street who is eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history,” Brosnan said.
“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,” he added.
Brosnan also praised the contenders’ screen presence, physicality and potential for long careers. He wished whoever secured the role “the very best of life and strength and courage”.
The actor previously worked with Turner in the 2017 film ‘The Only Living Boy in New York’, in which they played father and son.
Turner has emerged as one of the leading names in the race to replace Craig. Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor are also reportedly among the finalists, alongside an unnamed fourth candidate.
O’Connor recently described being considered for the role as an “incredibly bizarre pinch me moment”, while Lowden has said the attention surrounding the speculation is flattering.
Brosnan also expressed confidence in the next Bond film, which will be directed by Denis Villeneuve. Praising the filmmaker’s visual style and storytelling, he predicted that audiences would be impressed by his interpretation of the franchise.
Villeneuve, known for ‘Dune’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’, will direct the 26th James Bond film, with ‘Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay.
The upcoming project will be the first Bond film since Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson in 2025.
An official announcement about the next 007 is expected before the end of 2026, while production is anticipated to begin in 2027. The film is currently expected to arrive in 2028.
Brosnan played Bond in four films, beginning with ‘GoldenEye’ in 1995 and ending with ‘Die Another Day’ in 2002. Craig’s final appearance as the spy came in 2021’s ‘No Time to Die’.
