Pierce Brosnan has said that a gay Bond is unlikely as long as producer Barbara Broccoli remains involved with the 007 franchise.

Speaking to Details magazine, Brosnan said that although he could picture a gay Bond it would be unlikely during Broccoli’s long-term tenure as 007 producer.

“Sure. Why not?” said Brosnan, when asked if he could picture a gay Bond, before adding “Actually, I don’t know how it would work. I don’t think Barbara would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime. But it would certainly make for interesting viewing.”

Brosnan eventual conceded that a black Bond might be an easier sell. “Let’s start with a great black actor being James Bond,” he told the magazine. “Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence. But I think Daniel [Craig] will be there for a while yet.”

When asked if he was surprised about Ireland’s legalisation of gay marriage, he said: “I never thought in a million years, but hallelujah! Enough of the shaming. It’s a great indication of the forward-thinking of a nation that’s been so mangled by religion.”