Dame Helen Mirren has declared that James Bond cannot be played by a woman as she insisted the famous spy is ‘a bloke’.

The esteemed actor, now 80, has commented on the rumors that the role of the iconic character might soon be played by a woman, following Amazon MGM Studios’ recent acquisition of the popular series.

Following Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007 in 2021’s No Time to Die, producers have been looking for the next star to take up the mantle.

While actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and Henry Cavill are among the leading names for the role, actresses like Jodie Comer and Emilia Clarke are being discussed as possible candidates to become the first female Bond.

However, Dame Helen has firmly rejected the idea, insisting switching the sex of the iconic secret agent ‘wouldn’t work’.

When asked whether it was time for a woman to take up the role, she was quoted by the Daily Star, as stating: ‘No, it wouldn’t work.’

Dame Helen Mirren has declared that James Bond cannot be played by a woman as she insisted the famous spy is ‘a bloke’ (pictured this week) 

After Daniel Craig’s last performance as 007 in the 2021 movie “No Time to Die,” the producers have been in search of the next actor to embody the character.

Actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and Henry Cavill have been considered top choices for the spy role, while actresses Jodie Comer and Emilia Clarke are among the names being considered for the first female Bond.

The actor remarked, “There have been many remarkable women in the secret services with immense bravery, but James Bond has always been a male character. There’s potential for an excellent movie about a remarkable female agent, but James Bond is distinctly James Bond.”

The studio has announced that a new Bond movie is in the works, following their acquisition of the franchise in a £770 million deal finalized earlier this year.

Helen joins multiple names who have spoken against the possibility of a lady Bond, including the franchise’s producer Barbara Broccoli and previously Bonds, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan.

Daniel previously insisted that the iconic spy shouldn’t be played by a female actress because they deserve their own roles that haven’t been written for men.

In an interview with Radio Times in 2021, the actor stated: ‘There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour.

‘Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?’ 

Pierce has also shifted his position on the notion, after previously telling The Hollywood Reporter in 2019 that it was time to ‘put a woman up there’ and declaring a female Bond would be ‘exciting’ and ‘exhilarating’.

However, this year he made a sharp U-turn, telling Saga magazine: ‘Oh, I think it has to be a man.

Helen joins multiple names who have spoken against the possibility of a lady Bond, including the franchise’s producer Barbara Broccoli and previously Bonds, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan (pictured in Die Another Day)

Daniel previously insisted that the iconic spy shouldn’t be played by a female actress because they deserve their own roles that haven’t been written for men (seen in Skyfall)

‘I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. I adore the world of James Bond.’

While Barbara has ruled out the possibility the amorous spy could ever be played by a woman, after previously declaring that ‘anything is possible’ when it came to the race and gender of future Bonds.

In 2018, she sang a different tune, insisting: ‘Bond is male. He’s a male character. He was written as a male and I think he’ll probably stay as a male. And that’s fine.

‘We don’t have to turn male characters into women. Let’s just create more female characters and make the story fit those female characters.’

Halle Berry, who famously played beloved Bond girl Jinx in 2002’s Die Another Day, has also opined that the British spy should only be played by a man.

In 2017, she told Entertainment Tonight: ‘That series is steeped in history… you know, Ian Fleming’s stories. I don’t think you can change Bond to a woman.’

Halle Berry, who famously played beloved Bond girl Jinx in 2002’s Die Another Day (pictured) has also opined that the British spy should only be played by a man 

Fellow former Bond girl Gemma Arterton also weighed in on the notion of a female 007, declaring she felt it might not align with the franchise’s tradition (seen in Quantum of Solace)

And when asked whether she herself would be interested in being the first lady Bond at this year’s Cannes Film Festival jury press conference, she reiterated: ‘I don’t know if 007 should be a woman.’

Fellow former Bond girl Gemma Arterton also weighed in on the notion of a female 007, declaring she felt it might not align with the franchise’s tradition. 

The actress, who played Strawberry Fields in 2008’s Quantum of Solace, told the Times last year: ‘Isn’t a female James Bond like Mary Poppins being played by a man?

‘They talk about it, but I think people would find it too outrageous. Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition.’