Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan believes the next 007 must be British, speaking as Amazon MGM Studios takes control of the legendary film franchise.
Brosnan told the British Telegraph that it was "perfectly natural" for a British actor to take on the role of the famous secret agent. No American has ever played Bond before.
Brosnan, who is Irish, and George Lazenby, an Australian, are the only actors from outside the UK to have been given the opportunity to play the role of Agent 007.
He also commented on Amazon MGM now taking creative control of the franchise, saying he welcomed it "with a certain amount of regret."
Under the new agreement, Amazon MGM has been given full creative control, but the series' longtime producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, remain co-owners.
Although some regret the deal, Brosnan still admitted that it was "the right decision for Barbara and Michael."
"It took a lot of courage for them to step back. They will still have an impact on decisions. I hope Amazon treats this work and character with dignity, imagination and respect," the actor added.
Brosnan first appeared as Bond in the 1995 film "Goldeneye" and went on to star in three more sequels, ending his era in 2002 with "Die Second Time Around."
"The legacy has been carried forward and I am very proud to have been a part of the history and legacy of Bond, as well as the films I made with Barbara and Michael," Brosnan said.
"We got things going, we revived the franchise. Bond had been on hiatus for six years, and 'Goldeneye' was such a success that everything just kept growing and getting stronger. You know, everything changes, everything falls apart, and I wish them all the best," he concluded.
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