Pierce Brosnan talks James Bond succession and Burberry’s 170th anniversary campaign
The former 007 stars in Burberry's holiday campaign and shares his thoughts on the next actor to take the role, praising Denis Villeneuve's direction of the franchise.
Pierce Brosnan has stepped in front of the camera for Burberry’s new holiday campaign celebrating 170 years of the British luxury fashion house, filmed at Longleat House in Wiltshire, England. The shoot brought together a cast that included his son Dylan Thomas Brosnan, actors Fiona Shaw, Dwyane Wade, Cara Delevingne, Gabrielle Union, and Nico Parker, with director Harmony Korine helming the festive Christmas party setting.
In a conversation with Vanity Fair, the Irish actor reflected on his time on set and discussed his enduring relationship with tailoring and classic style, a sensibility shaped by decades playing cinema’s most elegantly dressed men.
On the campaign and working with Shaw
Brosnan described the experience as “absolutely wonderful,” noting the scale of the production. “I’d never seen so many people on a set in all my days for such an event,” he said. The highlight, he added, was working alongside Shaw. “The highlight was meeting and being with Fiona Shaw. That was just absolutely magnificent. I’m such a huge fan of the lady’s work.” The two bonded over their shared passion for art—both are painters, according to Brosnan—though he wishes they had spent more time together. “It was all too brief with Fiona,” he mused.
Personal style and the Burberry trench
When asked about iconic wardrobe staples, Brosnan cited several pieces that have earned their place in his closet. A two-piece wool suit by Anglo-Italian tailoring serves as a workhorse, and he is partial to shoes and belts by Bottega Veneta. But the Burberry Mac holds particular significance. “Of course, a Burberry Mac, which I’ve had for many, many years. It is the classic, dream trench coat of anyone who has grown up on the movies,” he said.
Brosnan has come to embrace the gentlemanly image his most famous roles created, after spending years resisting it. “As I’ve gotten older, I used to try to rebel against the look, character, and style of actor I had created for myself. Now I embrace it more because it excites me,” he told Vanity Fair.
On the next James Bond
Asked whether he is following the conversation around Bond’s successor, Brosnan positioned himself as an eager spectator. “Oh, I’m just an audience member now. I’m just the man in the street who is eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history,” he said. He praised the leading candidates, including Callum Turner, whom he has worked with in the 2017 film “The Only Living Boy in New York.” “Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong. They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film,” Brosnan said of the contenders.
To the actor who ultimately takes the role, Brosnan offered his blessing: “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.”
On Denis Villeneuve’s direction of the franchise
Brosnan expressed particular enthusiasm for Denis Villeneuve’s appointment as director of the next Bond film. “I think we are going to be blown away. I really do,” he 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.”
This article was compiled by the Glamorade editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
