Pierce Brosnan Gives Callum Turner His Blessing in the Race to Become the Next James Bond

Few people understand the pressure of becoming James Bond better than the men who have already worn the tuxedo. Pierce Brosnan, who played 007 in four films, has spent years fielding questions about who should inherit the role. Now he has offered one of his most pointed answers yet.

Brosnan played the spy in ‘GoldenEye’, ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’, ‘The World Is Not Enough’ and ‘Die Another Day’, and his tenure ran from 1995 to 2002. Since Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise, every former Bond has been asked to weigh in on what comes next. The speculation has only intensified as the studio closes in on a decision.

In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Brosnan was asked about the ongoing conversation around the casting search. He described himself as an audience member who is eager to see who takes on the part, said he admires every actor on the list, and singled out Callum Turner as someone he has worked with and considers very strong. It is the clearest sign of support he has given any of the contenders.

Brosnan was careful not to rule anyone out. He praised the whole field of young actors, saying they all have a voice, a physique and a presence on film, along with the longevity to sustain a career. He admitted it is hard to say who will get the job and said he is waiting to hear the news and join the celebration of the next Bond.

The connection with Turner is real. The two played father and son in the 2017 drama ‘The Only Living Boy in New York’, which gives Brosnan firsthand experience of the actor’s work. That detail makes his endorsement feel less like polite small talk and more like a personal vote of confidence.

It is also worth noting how the timing plays out. According to Comic Book Resources, the interview appears to have been conducted before a report this week that Turner had edged out rivals including Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor. That means Brosnan’s praise was not a reaction to the latest rumor.

Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed a decision. The studio has said the search is underway and that it does not plan to comment on specifics during casting, so everything about the shortlist comes from reports. Turner, Lowden and O’Connor have been named as finalists, along with a fourth unidentified actor, according to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.

The reports say at least four screen-test offers went out, and that Jacob Elordi and Jack O’Connell are out of the mix. Prediction markets have also tilted toward Turner, with Kalshi figures putting his implied probability at 45%, just one point ahead of Lowden. Fan polls have told a different story, with Lowden leading a Screen Rant audience vote.

That gap between insiders, bettors and fans is part of what makes this race so fascinating. Turner, 35, is known for ‘Masters of the Air’, ‘Fantastic Beasts’ and ‘Eternity’, and he is engaged to Dua Lipa. He has previously tried to deflect questions about the role, which has only added to the mystery.

Whoever wins will step into a very different franchise. Denis Villeneuve, the director of ‘Dune’, is helming the next film, with Steven Knight of ‘Peaky Blinders’ writing the script. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing, and it will be the first Bond film not produced by Eon Productions.

There is no release date yet, and the studio has not said when an announcement will come. Reports suggest it could land before the end of the year. For now, the tension is part of the fun.

Brosnan has been consistent in his support of the next generation. In 2025 he said Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be great in the role, and he has repeatedly said he wishes all the contenders well. His latest comments fit that pattern, with a slightly warmer nod to Turner.

A former Bond’s endorsement carries weight with fans, even if it has no bearing on the studio’s decision. Brosnan’s era is fondly remembered, and his words often shape how audiences view the contenders. Turner will likely welcome the boost.

It also underlines how much goodwill there is for whoever takes over. Every actor on the shortlist has a loyal following, and the former 007s have been generous in their comments. That sense of a franchise passing the baton is one of the best parts of the process.

With screen tests reportedly complete, the wait may soon be over. Until Amazon makes it official, all of this remains rumor and speculation.