Pierce Brosnan is unrecognizable. The man who once epitomized suave sophistication as James Bond in GOLDENEYE has undergone a stunning physical transformation that signals something profound about his current career trajectory. In the newly released trailer for GIANT, Brosnan appears with thinning white hair swept into a modest comb-over, wire-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, and the humble tracksuit of a working-class boxing trainer—a far cry from the tailored tuxedos and Aston Martins that defined his most famous role.
This dramatic metamorphosis isn’t just cosmetic; it represents Brosnan’s deliberate pivot toward character-driven storytelling in the later stages of his career. Written and directed by Rowan Athale, GIANT tells the remarkable true story of Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed, the British-Yemeni boxing sensation who captivated the sports world throughout the 1990s. Amir El-Masry takes on the titular role of the flamboyant featherweight champion, while Brosnan embodies Brendan Ingle, the Irish trainer whose compassionate yet disciplined approach helped forge a boxing legend.
The casting choice reveals Brosnan’s newfound willingness to disappear into roles that challenge his established screen persona. Where once he relied on his natural charisma and devastating good looks, he now embraces the art of complete character immersion. Tony Ingle, brother of the real Brendan, has praised Brosnan’s commitment to authenticity, noting how the actor’s Irish heritage and physical resemblance to his late brother create an almost uncanny portrayal. “He’s quite capable of capturing Brendan,” Tony observed, emphasizing how Brosnan’s retained Irish sensibility allows him to inhabit the role without affectation.
This transformation extends beyond mere appearance to encompass the deeper emotional terrain that Brosnan has been exploring in recent years. His role in MRS. DOUBTFIRE showcased his ability to find humor and heart in unexpected places, while his work in various independent films has demonstrated a hunger for substantial dramatic material. In GIANT, he’s not playing a heroic figure or romantic lead, but rather a working-class mentor whose greatest victories happen not in the spotlight but in the quiet moments of guidance and support he provides to his fighters.
The film promises to tackle complex social issues, particularly the racism and Islamophobia that Hamed faced as a British-Yemeni Muslim navigating the boxing world. Brosnan’s Brendan Ingle serves as both trainer and protective figure, someone who understood that his role extended far beyond teaching technique to encompassing genuine mentorship in a hostile environment. This kind of nuanced, socially conscious storytelling represents exactly the type of project that has attracted Brosnan in his post-Bond career.
The involvement of Sylvester Stallone as executive producer adds another layer of heavyweight credibility to the production, suggesting that GIANT aims to join the pantheon of serious boxing films rather than serving as mere sports entertainment. For Brosnan, this collaboration with respected industry veterans signals his commitment to projects with both artistic merit and cultural significance.
What makes Brosnan’s current career phase so compelling is his apparent comfort with stepping away from leading man expectations. Rather than clinging to the debonair charm that made him famous, he’s embracing character work that demands complete transformation. The man who once seemed destined to play variations of sophisticated gentleman is now seeking roles that require him to become entirely different people.
This evolution reflects a mature actor’s understanding that longevity in Hollywood comes not from repeating past successes but from constantly challenging oneself with new kinds of stories. In GIANT, Brosnan isn’t trying to recapture the magic of his Bond years; instead, he’s demonstrating that his true talent lies in his ability to disappear completely into the lives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The result is a career renaissance that promises to be far more interesting than any return to familiar territory could ever be.
Gothic drama LIES WE TELL is now on Netflix.
With powerful performances by Agnes O`Casey and David Wilmot, the Irish drama takes Sheridan Le Fanu`s classic novel UNCLE SILAS and transforms it into something urgent and vital for our moment.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
When Colin Farrell and Jessie Buckley finally sat down together, they were strangers—but within moments, the conversation became profound.
Both Irish actors are carrying the weight of devastating roles this year: Farrell as a gambling addict spiraling in Macau in BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER, Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare grieving her son in HAMNET.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
From FAIR CITY to KNIVES OUT! Daryl McCormack shines in the new #netflix film WAKE UP DEAD MAN.
McCormack just wrapped Netflix`s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE opposite Jack Lowden, Emma Corrin, and Olivia Colman. Talk about range: trading viral grift for Jane Austen elegance. Same actor, different century, wildly different moral compass.
More Daryl at irishfilmtv.com.
Eve Hewson brings ghosts to life in Noah Baumbach`s JAY KELLY.
From her breakout in THIS MUST BE THE PLACE to BAD SISTERS and beyond, she`s now haunting George Clooney as Daphne—a face from the past that forces a movie star to confront who he became while chasing fame.
More Eve at irishfilmtv.com.
When the past catches up with you in Amsterdam 🌊
Ciarán Hinds and Lesley Manville star in MIDWINTER BREAK—a retired couple`s winter getaway becomes a reckoning with memories they`ve tried to outrun for decades, in theatres Feb 20.
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
James Nesbitt is back in Harlan Coben`s twisted universe. 🔍
RUN AWAY drops January 1st on #Netflix — and this one`s personal.
When Simon (Nesbitt) finally finds his missing daughter strung out in a city park, it`s supposed to be a second chance. Instead, it`s the beginning of a nightmare.
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
Are you loving STEVE on #Netflix?
Legendary war photographer Sir Don McCullin spent days on set capturing behind-the-scenes magic from this raw Netflix drama starring Cillian Murphy about a head teacher fighting to save his reform school while battling his own demons.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🏆 RIVALS just scooped the International Emmy for Best Drama Series!
The Disney+ hit starring Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit brought home the gold for this deliciously scandalous 1980s romp through the world of wealthy media types.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From THE COMMITMENTS to THE TUDORS to KIN, @mariadoylekennedy has built a career that defies categories.
In a brand new interview with The Irish Examiner, Maria opens up about the artists and art that shaped her creative journey—from her Dublin roots to international screens and stages.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 From Shakespeare to a Beatle: Paul Mescal is doing the impossible!
Oscar-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal is taking on TWO iconic roles that prove he`s one of the most fearless actors working today.
Watch Paul`s latest interview at irishfilmtv.com.
Kerry Condon`s brief but powerful performance in TRAIN DREAMS is pitch perfect.
She inhabits her character with quiet competence, moving through a male-dominated world with both caution and grace.
Watch now on @netflix!
🎬 HAMNET stars to receive Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!
A stunning meditation on love`s fragility and art`s power to transform suffering into transcendence. This is Irish talent at its absolute finest on the world stage.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Netflix just quietly dropped a crime thriller you`ve been sleeping on, and Brendan Gleeson`s performance alone makes it mandatory viewing.
MR MERCEDES, Stephen King`s dark detective series that somehow flew under the radar, is finally streaming – and it`s everything fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers have been craving.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott is about to steal another movie and we`re absolutely here for it! 🔍
The trailer for WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY has dropped, and our beloved Irish actor is joining Daniel Craig`s Benoit Blanc for what looks like the most deliciously twisted instalment yet.
Scott plays bestselling author Lee Ross, one of several suspects in a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a small town`s religious community.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From GLADIATOR II`s arena to the quiet forests of Maine collecting folk songs on wax cylinders—Paul Mescal`s latest role in THE HISTORY OF SOUND might be his most vulnerable yet.
Now on @amazonprime, the film follows Lionel, a shy musician from a Kentucky farm in the 1910s, who meets David White (Josh O`Connor) at the New England Conservatory.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
