Pierce Brosnan voices support for black James Bond

NEW YORK, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Pierce Brosnan voiced his support for a black James Bond in a recent interview with Details magazine.

The 62-year-old Irish-American actor addressed the possibility amid speculation British star Idris Elba will assume the role from current portrayer Daniel Craig. Brosnan first said he doesn't believe producer Barbara Broccoli will ever cast a gay version of the character.

"I don't think Barbara would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime," he shared. "Let's start with a great black actor being James Bond. Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence. But I think Daniel will be there for a while yet."

Elba had dismissed the casting rumors in the September issue of Maxim, saying it would be "a self-fulfilling prophecy" and "the will of a nation" if he were actually chosen due to fan interest. English actor Damian Lewis has since been linked to the role.

Brosnan played James Bond in four films in the franchise, including Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Die Another Day (2002). The actor is scheduled for The Moon and the Sun with Kaya Scodelario, while Elba will appear in Star Trek Beyond with Chris Pine.