James Bond: Ho Mo 7

Former James Bond and Professional Heterosexual Pierce Brosnan certainly thinks it’s time, but he admits that there was always resistance about the idea of a gay Bond. In a recent interview, he said: “"Actually, I don't know how it would work. I don't think Barbara [Broccoli, the James Bond producer] would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime. But it would certainly make for

interesting viewing.”

He's largely talking out of his tail-pipe; of course Bond could be gay. He could be blond, vegetarian, he could back Jeremy Corbyn if he really wanted. None of those qualities directly tie into what the films are about - a secret agent fighting a group of slightly racist stereotypes in the name of protecting our beautiful little country.

Bond being gay is fine, in theory. But beneath the surface, there's a clearer subtext to Brosnan's words. It's not that he couldn't be gay, but that many believe he shouldn't. The Great British public, the thinking goes, would reject a gay Bond, and in doing so would destroy a dearly beloved institution and a pillar of masculinity in one fell swoop.

"Who would choose to go and see a gay Bond?" is just a fiddlier version of the argument "who would want to be gay?" The logic is that 'straight' is 'normal' and therefore 'best'. It's the default, it's not offensive. So making Bond gay would be a gamble; throwing away something we know straight audiences love and trying something they might be hostile towards...
Chris Mandle, Daily Telegraph.