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.

James Bond – now under the creative control of Amazon Studios following its buy-out of producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson – will remain a man and British (or the Commonwealth), according to UK media.