Today, November 20, 2022, is the 20th anniversary of the release of Die Another Day. Not only was it the 20th film in the James Bond franchise, but it was Pierce Brosnan’s fourth and final film as 007 – but the British star didn’t know it at the time. Instead, he was rammed a few weeks later in a move he described as “kicked to the curb”.
Brosnan later revealed how he learned he had been fired from the role of James Bond. He remembered getting a call from the two Bond bosses, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson.
He said, “I was in the Bahamas. I’m working on a movie called ‘After Sunset’ and my agents called me and said, ‘Negotiations are off.'”
Brosnan’s agents went on to tell him that Bond bosses “aren’t quite sure” what they want to do next with the franchise. Whatever they were planning, he was not involved in it.
Brosnan recalls being told, “They’ll call you next Thursday.” So he sat and waited in the Bahamas.
Brosnan explained that when he finally got the call, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He said, “I sat at Richard Harris’ house in the Bahamas, and Barbara and Michael were on the line.”
Finally, they broke the silence. They told him: We are very sorry.
The actor then revealed that the broccoli was overcome with emotion. Since she’s the direct boss of all of the Bond actors, she no doubt felt a lot of guilt for getting rid of Brosnan.
“She was crying,” Brosnan recalled. “Michael was reserved.”
Read more: Next James Bond – Tom Hardy’s latest prospect 007 writes bad news for the star
Brosnan later paid tribute to Craig. He even went on to give the star some advice on playing the hero.
Craig thought about this huge meeting years later. Brosnan told him, “Just enjoy it.”
Craig went on to play Bond for the next 15 years, with his career spanning five films. His final movie in the series, No Time To Die, hit theaters last year and concluded his story once and for all.
“I just started enjoying it a year ago. It’s funny,” said the 54-year-old.
Brosnan told a different version of their meeting. He said: We passed by at night, Daniel and I, at my day [as Bond] done.”
He continued, “I knew Daniel would be, and he was offered the part.” He noted that Craig was “very worried” about becoming the next champion.
“I remember seeing him one night,” Brosnan said. “We were at a club, having a great time with friends. He was really wrestling with it. I just said, ‘Go do it.'” You can do it, you’ll be cool, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t. Pick up on it, go be Bond. And boy, does he ever do it.”
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