Pierce Brosnan has shared his thoughts on potentially returning as James Bond, saying he would be "interested" if the opportunity came up. However, the 71-year-old actor, who played 007 in four films between 1995 and 2002, also hinted that it might be time for someone else to take on the role.
Hollywood was shaken earlier this year when Amazon took control of the James Bond franchise through a deal with long-time producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. While the producers remain involved, Amazon now has the final say in the creative direction of the series. Since Daniel Craig’s final Bond film, No Time to Die, speculation has been going on about who will be the next 007. Although names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Idris Elba, and Tom Hardy have been heard, no official announcement has been made.
American actor Pierce Brosnan attends a photocall on a beach promoting the latest James Bond film "Die Another Day" at the 55th Cannes film festivalGetty Images
When asked in an interview with GQ about the idea of reprising his role, Brosnan responded, "How could I not be interested?" However, he quickly downplayed the possibility, calling it a "romantic notion" and suggesting that it was "best left to another man."
Meanwhile, former Bond actor Daniel Craig has expressed his support for Broccoli and Wilson following the Amazon deal, stating his "respect, admiration, and love" for the long-time producers. He also wished Wilson a happy retirement and hoped to collaborate with Broccoli in the future.
Pierce Brosnan was asked about possibly reprising his role as Bond. He called the idea a “romantic notion” but admitted it’s best left to the next generation.Getty Images
Not everyone is thrilled with Amazon's involvement in Bond’s future. Filmmaker Osgood Perkins bluntly dismissed any interest in directing a Bond movie under Amazon’s control, expressing his disdain for Jeff Bezos. Similarly, actress Valerie Leon, known for her appearances in The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again, voiced concerns that Bond films might lose their British essence under Amazon’s leadership. She noted that streaming dominance could mean fewer Bond movies making it to theatres.
While Brosnan’s comments have fuelled discussions, the future of Bond remains uncertain. Fans are still waiting to see who will carry on the legacy of the world’s most iconic spy.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.