Pierce Brosnan: Producers would never allow a gay James Bond

Pierce Brosnan has claimed that producers would insist on James Bond being exclusively heterosexual – and wouldn’t allow romances with men.

Brosnan was the fifth actor to play James Bond, appearing as the iconic spy from 1995’s GoldenEye to 2002’s Die Another Day.

This week he weighed in on speculation about actors being lined up to replace Daniel Craig in the role.

Asked about the possibility of a gay incarnation, he told Details : “Sure. Why not?”

However, he added: “Actually, I don’t know how it would work. I don’t think Barbara [Broccoli, producer of every Bond film since 1993’s Octopussy] would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime.

“But it would certainly make for interesting viewing.”

He continued: “Let’s start with a great black actor being James Bond. Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence.

“But I think Daniel [Craig] will be there for a while yet.”

Daniel Craig is contracted to do one more Bond film after this year’s Spectre, and is expected to depart the series.

Elsewhere in the interview, the Irish-American actor hailed the impending introduction of same-sex marriage in his homeland.

He said: “I never thought in a million years, but hallelujah! Enough of the shaming.

“It’s a great indication of the forward-thinking of a nation that’s been so mangled by religion.”