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Helen Mirren Advocates for Authentic Female Stories in Secret Service
Actress Helen Mirren believes Hollywood should shift its focus from creating a female version of the iconic James Bond character to telling the true stories of remarkable women who have served as Secret Service agents.
In a recent interview with The Standard, Mirren expressed her views on the long-standing franchise, noting that the core essence of James Bond is rooted in “profound sexism.”
“Women have always played a significant and courageous role within the Secret Service,” she remarked. “Their contributions, especially during events like the French Resistance, showcase unparalleled bravery. The stories of these extraordinary women deserve to be told.”
In her current role in the Paramount+ series “MobLand,” Mirren stars alongside Pierce Brosnan, the former Bond actor, bringing their shared experience in crime dramas to the forefront. The two had previously collaborated in the classic film “The Long Good Friday” back in 1990.
Reflecting on her relationship with the Bond franchise, Mirren admitted, “I was never an ardent fan of Bond. While I deeply admire Pierce Brosnan and find him incredibly talented and generous, the franchise itself wasn’t my cup of tea. I have never cared for the portrayal of women in James Bond films.”
In February, Amazon MGM Studios took over the Bond film rights, a strategic shift marking the end of an era of stewardship under Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The duo had been at the helm of the franchise since the rights to Ian Fleming’s works were acquired in 1961, following the legacy established by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman.
In her statement regarding the transition, Barbara Broccoli expressed pride in her longstanding commitment to upholding her father’s extraordinary legacy. “I have been privileged to work with four remarkable actors who portrayed 007, as well as countless talented artists in the industry. With the completion of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael’s decision to step back, I see this as the right time to pursue other projects.”
Recently, Jen Salke’s exit from Amazon MGM was influenced in part by shifts within the 007 franchise, as the studio continues to plan for its theatrical releases in 2025.
Source
www.thewrap.com