Pierce Brosnan Says Cillian Murphy Would 'Do a Magnificent Job' Playing James Bond

As for whether he'd consider stepping into the shoes of 007 himself, Murphy said, "No. I think I'm a bit old for that"

Pierce Brosnan has someone in mind to play 007.

The actor, who played James Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002, thinks fellow Irish star Cillian Murphy would be great in the role.

"Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty's Secret Service," Brosnan, 70, told the BBC at Thursday's Oscar Wilde Awards, where he was honored alongside Molly Shannon and visual-effects supervisor Richie Baneham.

Despite Brosnan giving Murphy, 47, his seal of approval to play the fictional secret agent, the Oppenheimer star feels otherwise.

"No. I think I'm a bit old for that," Murphy told reporters on the red carpet, of whether he'd be interested in taking on the James Bond mantle.

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Brosnan was joined by his wife of more than 20 years, Keely Shaye Brosnan, at the star-studded event that was held at the offices of Bad Robot Productions in Santa Monica, California.

While being honored at Thursday's ceremony, Brosnan reflected on his decades-long acting career in his speech.

He shared, "I have been an actor all my life. I have been an actor since I was 18. I came here to America in 1982. I dropped in on a wing and a prayer, and I got very lucky."

Brosnan also recalled of leaving London, "I borrowed 2,000 pounds from a bank manager in Wimbledon, and said I had a job here in America and I hopped on Freddie Laker. I think the tickets cost a hundred quid and you bring your own sandwiches."

"I don't remember what I ate, wasn't a sandwich, but I ended up on Sunset and renting a car from Rent-A-Wreck," he continued. "I drove over Laurel Canyon and to my very first interview in 1982. And they were looking for Remington Steele. They said, 'Yes.' I said 'Yes.' I got extremely lucky."

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Brosnan appeared in multiple TV shows and movies, including 1993's Mrs. Doubtfire, before making his 007 debut in 1995's GoldenEye.

He went on to star in 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies, 1999's The World Is Not Enough and 2002's Die Another Day before passing on the role to Daniel Craig, who played James Bond in five films from 2006 to 2021.

Rumors have been making the rounds for years about who will replace Craig, 56, in the role, with actors including Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson all being buzzed about.

As for Murphy, he told reporters on Thursday that he thinks Brosnan is "a lovely man," whom he's been a fan of since his run on the hit '80s series Remington Steele.

Asked whether Brosnan has ever given him advice, the Oscar nominee said, "No. We just chat. People don't really share advice, but he's a lovely man."

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