'You Can't Have a Woman': Dame Helen Mirren Says the Next James Bond 'Has to Be a Guy'

Dame Helen Mirren, a renowned actress, has weighed in on the ongoing discussion about the next James Bond. She asserts that the iconic role should remain as a male character, stating that "you can't have a woman" playing the part. Mirren's comments come amid growing calls for a more diverse representation in the franchise, with some advocating for a female or non-binary Bond. However, the actress believes that the character's core identity is firmly rooted in masculinity and that a change in gender would fundamentally alter the essence of the character. While acknowledging the importance of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry, Mirren maintains that the James Bond character is best suited to be portrayed by a male actor. Her stance reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the future direction of the long-running spy franchise and the balance between honoring tradition and embracing change.