Helen Mirren Says ‘James Bond’ Should Be Replaced by Real Life Stories
Helen Mirren has never been shy about speaking her mind, and her recent comments on the James Bond films are no exception. The Oscar-winning actress recently called out the 007 franchise for its portrayal of women. Mirren believes the Bond movies are sexist. While the franchise has evolved over time, Mirren’s comments highlight an ongoing conversation about how women are represented in Hollywood. Her perspective adds a fresh layer to the debate on gender and representation in action films.
Helen Mirren says James Bond displays ‘profound sexism’
During a 2025 interview with The Standard, Mirren echoed a lot of common criticisms of 007. “The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” she said. “Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been. And very brave.
“If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they’re amazingly, unbelievably courageous,” she added. “So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who’ve worked in that world.”
James Bond cannot escape sexism
In many of the earlier 007 films, female characters were often used as mere props, existing solely for Bond’s pleasure or as damsels in distress. These women rarely had strong storylines or personal goals. Instead, they existed to support Bond’s heroics. This portrayal of women has sparked ongoing debates about sexism in Hollywood. Critics argue that these outdated tropes not only hurt the reputation of the Bond films but also reinforce harmful gender stereotypes.
The problem isn’t just limited to the early movies. Even in the more recent Bond films, women often still play secondary roles. While there have been some improvements in character development, many female roles remain limited. They are still sometimes shown as Bond’s love interests or as characters who need saving. For example, characters like Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale and M in the later films do show depth, but they are still often placed in Bond’s orbit, rather than standing on their own.
Moreover, the Bond films often rely on outdated views of masculinity, where women are expected to act as eye candy for a male audience. Bond’s charm is built on the fact that he is suave, strong, and always in control. Women in the franchise are portrayed as objects of desire, rather than fully realized people with their own agency. This makes it hard to see the movies as anything but a reflection of outdated gender norms, leaving a lot of viewers questioning whether they still have a place in today’s world of film.
Helen Mirren has nothing but nice things to say about a pair of 007 actors
Despite all this, Mirren has no hard feelings towards one of the actors who played James Bond. “I have to say I was never a great ward [of Bond],” Mirren said. “I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan. I mean, oh my God. Obviously, he’s gorgeous and everything, and I think he’s fabulous in MobLand, but he also happens to be one of the nicest people you’ll ever have the pleasure to work with. And indeed Daniel Craig, who I’ve met and know a little bit, again — a very lovely, gracious person.”
Mirren loves Brosnan and Craig but she’s no fan of Bond.
