007's New Name Is Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan

LONDON -- The name is Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan, and he finally has a license to kill. The former star of television's "Remington Steele" series has been anointed the new James Bond, the fifth actor to play 007 since Sean Connery donned a white dinner jacket for "Dr. No" in 1962. Devotees of political correctness will have to deal with the return of 007's sexist ways in "Goldeneye," the first Bond film since "License to Kill" in 1989. Parts the new movie are scheduled to be shot in Russia. "You're dealing with fantasy, so political correctness has to be eased up a little," Brosnan told reporters at the Regent Hotel. "You can't take it so much on the nose." Bond's exotic leading lady in the new movie will be Russian, since two-thirds of this saga of arms dealing is set in Russia. That role has yet to be cast. Irish actor Pierce Brosnan was first approached seven years ago to play the famous British spy, but had to turn it down because of his television contract. Timothy Dalton got the part. This time, Brosnan, 43, said, "I'm a little older, a little wiser." Roger Moore and George Lazenby are the other actors to have filled Bond's impeccably tailored dinner jackets. David Niven also portrayed Bond in the 1967 spoof "Casino Royale."Brosnan's aim is to portray a Bond who is "more flinty, with a little more humor. We want to see beneath the surface of Bond and also what Ian Fleming (author of the Bond novels) has portrayed. You can't stray away from that." Directed by Martin Campbell, "Goldeneye" is expected to begin a 20-week shoot in October and be released in the United States in July 1995. In addition to Russia, locations include the Caribbean, Mexico and Monte Carlo. Co-producer Michael G. Wilson would not discuss the budget for the movie. "Dr. No" was filmed 32 years ago for $850,000. Is there still life in the Bond formula? "I sincerely hope so; otherwise, I'll be out of a job," said co-producer Barbara Broccoli, daughter of Albert R. (Cubby) Broccoli, who will be producing his 17th Bond film. Campbell, the director, pointed to the continuing appeal of Bond's "sense of humor, and obviously his lethal side. The stories are about trust and loyalty, and they make Bond interesting." He acknowledged that the "actual Bond production does age, does creak when you look at the old films; that has to be addressed."The announcement Wednesday ended speculation that Hugh Grant ("Four Weddings And a Funeral"), Daniel Day-Lewis ("The Age of Innocence") or Ralph Fiennes ("Schindler's List") might be the new Bond. Among those enthusing about the news of Brosnan's selection was Graham Rye, head of the James Bond 007 Fan Club Archive and publisher of 007 Magazine. Rye called Brosnan "a guy born to play the part. This is one of the best days on record" for Bond fans.MovielogStarring Sean Connery 1962: "Dr. No," with Ursula Andress1963: "From Russia With Love," with Daniela Bianchi1964: "Goldfinger," with Gert Frobe1965: "Thunderball," with Claudine Auger1967: "You Only Live Twice," script by Roald Dahl1971: "Diamonds Are Forever," with Jill St. John 1983: "Never Say Never Again," with Kim BasingerStarring George Lazenby1968: "In Her Majesty's Secret Service"Starring Roger Moore1973: "Live and Let Die," theme song by Paul McCartney 1974: "The Man With the Golden Gun," with Britt Ekland1977: "The Spy Who Loved Me," with Barbara Bach1979: "Moonraker," with Lois Chiles1981: "For Your Eyes Only," with Carole Bouquet1983: "Octopussy," with Maud Adams1985: "A View to a Kill," theme song by Duran DuranStarring Timothy Dalton1989: "License to Kill," with Carey Lowell... And one spoof1967: "Casino Royale," starring David Niven as James Bond, with Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, Orson Welles, Woody Allen; directed by John Huston