Pierce Brosnan has been nominated twice at the Golden Globes, the first in 1985 for the television series Nancy Astor and in 2006 for the film The Matador.

In addition, he was awarded an honorary Order of the British Empire for his “outstanding contribution to the British film industry.”

The actor, born in 1953 in Ireland, made his television debut in 1979 but it was not until 1982, with Remington Steele, that he achieved fame. He played the titular character until 1987.

Since then, he has not stopped working, making his film debut in 1980 with The Fourth Protocol (1987) and putting his own stamp as James Bond in four movies, Goldeneye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (nominated for Golden Globe for Best Original Song, 1997), The World is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day, also nominated for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes in 2002.

The world saw Brosnan sing and dance in Mamma Mia! (2008), nominated for Golden Globe Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical that year, and in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again in 2018.

Blessed with an enduring career, Brosnan now stars in Black Adam. We talked via Zoom to the actor about playing Dr. Fate/Kent Nelson in his first comic book film.

 

 

How was the process of creating your character in Black Adam?

I was somewhat familiar with the comics and my children informed me more about this character. I have to say that the technical achievements of Jaume Collet-Serra are absolutely colossal to constantly maintain such gigantic cinematographic work, every day for almost a year between preparation and shooting.

The casting of the film was impressive. Being able to see that everyday work with the director gave us actors a space of comfort and trust because we actors are usually vulnerable. Being an actor is crazy and it allowed us that time and space to play.

 

What was your relationship with the director, Jaume Collet-Serra, who is from Spain?

I have the greatest respect for Jaume Collet-Serra. We started working together on the part right from the beginning since I didn’t expect to get such a role at this point in my life.

I often wondered if someone would ever offer me a role in the superhero genre so I’m very proud to play Kent Nelson, aka Doctor Fate. We didn’t really have deep conversations about work. I knew what I had to do. I love the character and I knew why I had been cast in this role.

 

What do you think of the link between your character and Hawkman?

I love Aldis Hodge (Hawkman), and this whole cast. We became a big family. There were no egos, no shouting. We all did the job quietly and bravely, especially Aldis.

On the first day of filming, he was in his Hawkman suit and he didn’t have the wings because they’re computer-generated. But he was committed to the role, flying with two guys lowering their arms, hanging on some wires and that is absolutely exhausting. Tiredness that you feel in places where you don’t want to feel it.

But this man flew over and over, all day. I saw him do that for three months, in different actions. I can only express my love for Aldis. We became brothers.

We both knew the subtext of the story. And my character is wiser to share the story of this odyssey. We knew that the characters have been through centuries together and have experienced a lot of loss in their lives.

This is how they were introduced to us on the first day when we began to read our roles. It was beautifully written. As an actor, you just have to be sincere, open, honest and always have it clear – it’s that simple. Aldis and I really work well together. We knew what was at stake. We both wanted the whole world to be able to see and enjoy this movie.

 

 

From now on, there will be a whole generation that knows you as Doctor Fate.

Being Doctor Fate is nothing but the blessing that comes with playing the part is a great joy.

It happened to me with Mamma Mia! There is a whole generation of young people who knew me as Sam Carmichael, thanks to that movie. And when I say young, I’m talking about 15-year-olds.

 

Did that movie’s success surprise you?

Yes. I didn’t think it was going to be as mega-successful as it has become. Such a phenomenal success. There are movies that sit on the shelf like beautiful bookends.

So being a part of stories like that is quite memorable and impressive. Whether it’s Mrs. Doubtfire, Mamma Mia!, James Bond, and now, Doctor Fate in Black Adam, there are no words to describe it.

 

You could add Dante’s Peak or The Thomas Crown Affair to the list. You’re being modest because you are in a lot of movies that people love.

I started this career wanting to be a commercial actor. And I’ve ended up being a commercial actor. I like to do entertainment, things that are uplifting and light-hearted.

And every now and then, I can go to something darker. But people need more cheerful, light things. They need to be entertained, transported to another place from which they leave with good memories and in love.

What are your thoughts on acting after all these years?

I’ve lived for quite a few years and have been in this entertainment world all my life. I can’t think of a more wonderful profession. If you can get away with it and make a living for your family, then what a joy. I’m still excited about this job.

 

Translated by Mario Amaya