Pierce Brosnan isn’t one for loud endorsements, but when it comes to Aaron Taylor-Johnson stepping into the shoes of James Bond, he’s quietly confident. The former 007,known for his sharp suits and steady hand in four Bond films between 1995 and 2002, believes Taylor-Johnson could handle the legacy.
“He’d be great,” Brosnan said reflecting on a time they worked together over a decade ago. The film was The Greatest, a family drama where Taylor-Johnson starred alongside Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, and Carey Mulligan. Even back then, the young actor stood out to him. “He walked onto that set and brought this intense energy with him,” Brosnan recalled. “He owned the space.”
From tuxedos to high-speed chases, Brosnan’s Bond era was pure cinematic cool
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Now 34, Taylor-Johnson has emerged as one of the top contenders in ongoing discussions about who will take over as Bond. While nothing’s confirmed, he’s been a favourite in speculative circles and Brosnan’s nod only adds weight to the possibility.
Behind the scenes, the Bond franchise is in new hands. Amazon MGM Studios now co-owns the rights, working closely with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. As the next chapter of the spy saga begins to take shape, Brosnan has wished the team well and stayed mostly hands-off.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a fan-favourite contender for 007, previously starred with Brosnan in The GreatestGetty Images
In the meantime, Brosnan has shifted gears himself. He stars in MobLand, a Paramount+ series set in London’s criminal underworld, with Helen Mirren and Tom Hardy playing central roles. As the ruthless family head Conrad Harrigan, Brosnan shares the screen with Hardy, someone he already knew through his son Sean. “Tom’s a powerful presence,” Brosnan said. “He reminds me of Sean—intense, kind, focused.”
Though they didn’t talk much during filming: “maybe two hours across five months,” Brosnan joked but the mutual respect is clear. Hardy returned the compliment, calling Brosnan “gracious, grounded, and completely professional.”
Brosnan in action as 007, bringing elegance and edge to the iconic roleGetty Images
Whether Taylor-Johnson gets to say, “Bond, James Bond,” remains to be seen. But if the man who’s been there and done it thinks he’s ready, it’s probably time to pay attention.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.