Los Angeles | Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan is backing fellow actor Callum Turner to play the iconic role in the upcoming James Bond movie.
Brosnan played the British spy in four films, from 1995's "GoldenEye" to 2002's "Die Another Day." Expressing his admiration for all the actors who are in contention to play the iconic British spy, Brosnan singled out Turner, with whom he worked on 2017 romantic drama "The Only Living Boy in New York".
"All the men who are on the list now are actors I admire. Callum, Callum Turner is someone I've worked with, and he's so strong," the 73-year-old told Vanity Fair.
"They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men," he added.
The casting for the new Bond is still underway with various names circulating in the press. Turner, Josh O'Connor and "Slow Horses" star Jack Lowden are said to be the frontrunners for the job.
The "GoldenEye" star said like any other fan, he too is "eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history".
"Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it's hard to tell who it would be, but I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond," Brosnan said.
The actor was equally enthusiastic about the "Arrival" and "Dune" director Denis Villeneuve directing the next instalment of the franchise that is now with Amazon.
Describing Villeneuve as an "iconoclastic director," Brosnan praised the filmmaker's distinctive approach to storytelling and visual filmmaking.
"I think we are going to be blown away. I really do," the actor said.
"(Villeneuve) is such an iconoclastic director. His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous. It's going to be great. It's going to be truly magnificent," he added.
Acknowledging the nostalgia surrounding the franchise, Brosnan urged fans to be patient as the next chapter takes shape.
"Of course, we all get sentimental and nostalgic, and you have to give it time and be patient, and it's always such a delightful game. But Villeneuve is someone who I have great admiration for, and I look forward to seeing the work," he said.
