Helen Mirren criticizes James Bond for its profound sexism
- Helen Mirren voiced her criticisms of the James Bond franchise during a recent interview.
- She feels the depiction of women in the series is rooted in profound sexism.
- Mirren believes real stories of female spies should be told instead of creating a female version of James Bond.
In a recent interview, British actress Helen Mirren, known for her acclaimed film and theater roles, voiced her discontent with the James Bond franchise, particularly regarding its treatment of female characters. Mirren stated that she has never been a fan of the iconic spy series and has long been troubled by its portrayal of women, describing it as 'drenched and born out of profound sexism.' This criticism aligns with the sentiments expressed by former Bond actor Daniel Craig, who, in 2015, referred to the character of James Bond as 'very lonely,' 'sexist,' and 'misogynist.' As the franchise undergoes changes following Amazon's acquisition of MGM Studios and the associated creative control shift, Mirren proposed focusing on portraying real stories of female spies rather than altering the male-dominated character of Bond. Throughout her remarks, Mirren emphasized the historical significance and bravery of women in espionage roles, particularly during events such as the French Resistance in World War II. In her opinion, the James Bond series does not reflect the real contributions of women in intelligence roles, highlighting a need for more authentic representation in storytelling. Mirren’s influence and voice in the industry encourage a broader discussion on how female characters are depicted in major film franchises. Acting alongside former Bond star Pierce Brosnan in the upcoming series 'MobLand,' Mirren remains a respected figure in the film community, allowing her opinions to carry weight and contribute to ongoing conversations about gender representation in Hollywood.