Pierce Brosnan still holds dear his turn as 007 in the James Bond franchise and hopes that the property’s new owners treat it with “respect” and “dignity.”

Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan says the next 007 must be British as Amazon MGM Studios take control over the historic franchise. Brosnan spoke to The Telegraph, saying that it’s “a given” that a British actor should take up the 007 mantle.

Just as former political leaders are constantly asked about current events, so previous James Bond actors can set their watch to when they'll be asked who should follow in their footsteps and play the next 007.

The James Bond franchise could be expanded with a female 007 spin-off, after streaming giant Amazon previously pitched the idea to producers. Other proposals included spin-offs centred around Bond’s CIA ally Felix Leiter and a prequel focusing on MI6 secretary Miss Moneypenny.

British male Daniel Craig is the most recent actor to portray the famous spy in live-action. Craig first appeared in Casino Royale in 2006 before also suiting up in Quantum of Solace in 2008, and then four years later he made his third James Bond appearance in Skyfall in 2012.

News came in last month that longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have passed on complete creative control of the spy franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. Though Wilson and Broccoli would remain co-owners.

With Amazon MGM Studios gaining creative control of the James Bond franchise, who will emerge as the next 007?

Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2006's Casino Royale; Halle Berry and Pierce Brosnan in 2002's Die Another Day. Pierce Brosnan has insisted that the next James Bond must be British amid fears the 007 character will be diversified on-screen following its takeover from Amazon Studios.

Actor Pierce Brosnan has said it is a "given" that the next James Bond should be British. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, the former Bond also said he thought it was the "right decision" for the franchise's long-standing producers to hand creative control to Amazon.

Pierce Brosnan may have hung up his laser wristwatch, underwater rebreather, and X-ray sunglasses since parting ways with the James Bond franchise, but he still has a few thoughts on the future of the spy films.