Pierce Brosnan backs first black James Bond

Former 007 Pierce Brosnan says black British actor Colin Salmon would make an “outstanding” James Bond, but there is no rush to replace Daniel Craig. Pierce Brosnan has suggested that Colin Salmon would be his pick to become the first black James Bond. The Irish actor, 59, who is about to appear in a Danish romantic comedy called Love Is All You Need, was asked who might replace current 007 Daniel Craig in the film franchise. He said, “I’ve always thrown Colin Salmon’s name in the mix. He’s somebody I have worked with closely over the years. He would be outstanding and I think it would be absolutely essential.” Brosnan played James Bond in four films in the 1990s and 2000s, before Daniel Craig took over as the international man of mystery for Casino Royale in 2006. Salmon, 50, appeared alongside Brosnan in three James Bond films – Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day – as MI6 Deputy Chief of Staff Charles Robinson. His other film roles include Resident Evil and Alien vs. Predator. Bond, who was created by British author Ian Fleming, has never been played by a black actor. Past Bonds has included Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton. Skyfall, the most recent Bond film, starring Craig, was released to critical acclaim last year. Brosnan, who admitted that Craig had been “doing superbly well” as 007, said playing Bond had been “one of the most rewarding roles” he had taken on in film. “That was without a question one of the most rewarding roles. That character, and the opportunities it gave one. That job is the gift that keeps giving because once you’re a Bond, you’re a Bond for life. “It’s a small company of men now who have played the role and for me, it’s allowed me to create my own company to produce, and to step forth into the international market and have a profile. That’s a healthy thing for any actor – the more choices you have. Without a question, it was a significant part of my life and career, and is ongoing in many respects.” The Bond film franchise celebrated its 50th year last November.