Pierce Brosnan says next James Bond should be British and not American

The Drogheda native also hinted at a return to the franchise.

It has been a turbulent time for the iconic franchise, after the Broccoli family gave creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.

Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have produced the Bond movies since Brosnan's debut in 1995's GoldenEye, but they recently announced that they will be stepping down.

The next Bond is yet to be named since Craig departed the series in his final outing - No Time To Die.

Speculation has risen over the direction that Amazon will take the character, with a wide variety of both British and American actors being tipped to play the superspy.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Brosnan said: “I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael.

“It takes great courage for them to let go, they will still have a say in matters, I hope that (Amazon) handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect," he added.

“In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, (the change) does come with a certain lament."

Brosnan continued: “History has been passed on and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies that I made with Barbara and Michael.

“That we moved the needle, that we brought it back to life. It had been dormant (for) six years and GoldenEye was such a success that it continued and went from strength to strength … I wish them well.”

The 71-year-old recently said that he would be interested in reprising his role as 007, but ultimately believes that it should go to someone new.