Dame Helen Mirren has reignited the debate over James Bond’s portrayal of women, calling the franchise “drenched and born out of profound sexism.” In her recent interview with The Standard, the Oscar-winning actress revealed, “The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn’t. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond… The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism”.
While Mirren opposes the idea of a female 007, she suggests filmmakers should focus on real stories about extraordinary women in espionage, like those in the French Resistance.
It’s no secret that James Bond has always been a male fantasy, complete with glamorous women, daring adventures, and high-stakes espionage. But to dismiss the franchise outright as sexist feels reductive. From the very beginning, Bond women weren’t just eye candy; they were resourceful, intelligent, and independent. Honey Ryder in Dr. No was self-educated and capable, Pussy Galore in Goldfinger ran her own aviation company, and Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was a complex character who became Bond’s equal—and his wife.
Mirren argues that these portrayals are problematic because they cater to male wish fulfillment. But here’s the thing: escapism is universal. Women have their own version of wish fulfillment—just look at the popularity of Twilight, Fifty Shades of Grey, or Hallmark Christmas movies. These stories often feature strong men rescuing or romancing women, appealing to a deep-seated desire for protection and connection. Bond taps into similar fantasies but flips the script for men, allowing them to imagine themselves as suave, masculine heroes saving the day.
What’s truly perplexing is Mirren’s humorless approach to this conversation. Instead of celebrating the franchise’s evolution—where modern Bond films like Skyfall and No Time to Die have given female characters more agency—she chooses to focus on its flaws. Yes, Bond films have had their share of outdated tropes, but they’ve also adapted with time, reflecting changing attitudes toward gender dynamics.
James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Paloma (Ana de Armas) in NO TIME TO DIE – credit: Nicola Dove© 2020 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Mirren’s critique simply misses the point. James Bond wasn’t created to be a feminist icon—it was created to entertain. If Mirren doesn’t like it, perhaps it simply was “not made for her.” And that’s okay. Not every piece of art needs to appeal to everyone. But dismissing an entire franchise that has brought joy to millions feels unnecessarily harsh.
Let’s not forget that escapism is meant to be fun—a chance for audiences to indulge in fantasies they wouldn’t dare pursue in real life. Whether it’s Bond saving the world or Snow White finding her prince, these stories tap into universal human desires for adventure, romance, and heroism. Declaring them “sexist” or “problematic” strips away their magic and alienates audiences who just want to enjoy the ride.
****
English (US) · 