Dame Helen Mirren declares James Bond must stay a man Amid growing rumours the spy may change gender after Amazon MGM Studios took ownership of the franchise, Dame Helen Mirren has declared James Bond must stay a man. 17 August 2025 Dame Helen Mirren has declared James Bond must stay a man. Dame Helen Mirren has declared James Bond must stay a man The 80-year-old actress was asked if it was time for a female 007, ahead of the release of her new film The Thursday Night Murder Club next week, amid growing rumours the spy may change gender after Amazon MGM Studios took ownership of the franchise.