Central to the appeal of any Bond film are its villains, as noted by critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. The Brosnan era villains paid homage to their larger-than-life predecessors, evolving with storytelling that matched the modern world’s complexities. Here, we rank the main villains from the Brosnan James Bond era, from worst to best.
“You see, Mr. Bond, you can’t kill my dreams. But my dreams can kill you. Time to face destiny.” These words resonate weakly in “Die Another Day,” considered one of the franchise’s most criticized entries. While the movie starts promisingly, it quickly devolves into a CGI-heavy spectacle that feels disjointed and overly sci-fi. At its center, the villain, played by Toby Stephens, fails to impress. Despite his pedigree as the son of actors Robert Stephens and Maggie Smith, Stephens struggles to bring intimidation to his billionaire playboy character, wielding a space laser with a lack of menace. Yet, even amid the film’s failings, Pierce Brosnan remains impeccable as Bond, though the dynamic with his adversary lacks spark.
Next, we have Jonathan Pryce, who deserves recognition for his role as Elliot Carver in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” Drawing inspiration from real-life media moguls like Rupert Murdoch, Carver plots to incite World War III for television ratings. Pryce’s performance is delightfully over-the-top, striking a balance between camp and genuine threat. Carver’s actions are intensified when he murders his wife, Paris (Teri Hatcher), once the love of Bond’s life, adding a personal vendetta to the mix. The film adheres closely to the Bond formula, delivering entertainment and excitement.
“GoldenEye” stands out as a revitalizing force for the Bond franchise. After Timothy Dalton’s era, “GoldenEye” redefined Bond for a new generation. Brosnan delivered a fully realized 007, and the film featured some of the most formidable villains. This impressive ensemble includes Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen), Boris Grishenko (Alan Cumming), and General Arkady Ourumov (Gottfried John). Among these, the primary antagonist, Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), known as 006, stands out. His betrayal adds a personal twist to the hero-villain relationship, enriching the plot with a straightforward revenge tale. Brosnan and Bean’s onscreen chemistry adds depth to their dynamic, enhancing the movie’s engaging narrative.
In Brosnan’s third outing, “The World Is Not Enough,” the perceived villain, Renard (Robert Carlyle), with his brain-damaged persona, is merely a puppet. The true mastermind is Elektra King (Sophie Marceau), whose machinations aim to control global oil markets. Marceau’s performance shines, offering a nuanced portrayal that deviates from the typical Bond Girl archetype. Director Michael Apted crafts Elektra as a potential romantic interest for Bond, only to reveal her as a cunning adversary. While the film has its imperfections, the partnership of Marceau and Brosnan elevates it with a compelling villain dynamic.
The Pierce Brosnan era of James Bond films serves as a testament to the franchise’s ability to captivate audiences with inventive storytelling and memorable villains. From the disappointments of “Die Another Day” to the brilliant tension in “GoldenEye,” Brosnan’s tenure as Bond is marked by diverse antagonists who challenge and enhance his portrayal. This era’s legacy persists, illustrating that new challenges and fresh adversaries keep the Bond saga vibrant for years to come.
