Pierce Brosnan’s Career: From ‘Long Good Friday’ to ‘MobLand’

Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor known for his charm and versatile career. He became a global superstar playing James Bond, but his work extends far beyond the world of espionage. Brosnan has built a career playing everything from romantic leads and cunning thieves to action heroes and singing fathers, proving his talent across many genres.

From his first small film role to his latest projects, Brosnan has remained a constant presence on screen for over four decades. His journey shows an actor who is not afraid to take on different challenges. He successfully balanced huge blockbusters with smaller, independent films. This list explores some of the key movies that have defined his long and successful career in Hollywood.

The Long Good Friday (1980)

Pierce Brosnan made his film debut in this classic British gangster movie. He has a small but memorable role as the “1st Irishman,” an IRA assassin. The story follows a London crime boss named Harold Shand, who is trying to go legitimate by partnering with the American mafia. His plans fall apart when his men are systematically murdered over one bloody weekend.

Although his screen time is very brief, the role was a significant start for the young actor. The film itself is highly regarded and considered one of the greatest British films ever made. Brosnan’s appearance as a silent, menacing killer showed early signs of the on-screen intensity he would later become famous for. It was the first step in a long and varied film career.

The Fourth Protocol (1987)

In this Cold War spy thriller, Brosnan plays the ruthless KGB agent Valeri Petrofsky. He is sent on a mission to assemble and detonate a small nuclear bomb near a British military base to destabilize the UK and its relationship with NATO. His character is hunted by a veteran MI5 officer, John Preston, played by Michael Caine.

The film was a major leading role for Brosnan before he became an international star. Ironically, it cast him as a villainous Soviet spy years before he would famously play the iconic British secret agent James Bond. Brosnan’s performance as the cold and calculating agent was a critical success, showcasing his ability to portray a menacing and intense character.

The Lawnmower Man (1992)

In this science-fiction horror film, Brosnan plays Dr. Lawrence Angelo, a brilliant scientist experimenting with virtual reality to increase intelligence. He uses a simple-minded greenskeeper named Jobe Smith as his human test subject. The experiments work too well, turning Jobe into a being with superhuman mental powers who seeks revenge on those who wronged him.

‘The Lawnmower Man’ was a box office success and became a cult classic. It was notable for its use of computer animation and virtual reality concepts, which were groundbreaking at the time. The film showed that Brosnan could lead a major studio film, playing a complex character whose ambition has dangerous consequences. It was an important step towards his eventual casting in bigger Hollywood roles.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Brosnan plays Stuart “Stu” Dunmeyer, the handsome and charming new boyfriend of Sally Field’s character, Miranda Hillard. He becomes the main rival for Daniel Hillard, played by Robin Williams, who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his kids. Stu is portrayed as the perfect, yet unlikable, new man in Miranda’s life.

The film was a massive critical and commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Brosnan’s role as the smooth, and often tormented, romantic rival was a perfect fit. He held his own against Robin Williams’ chaotic comedic performance, showcasing his own talent for comedy and proving he could be a memorable part of a major ensemble cast.

GoldenEye (1995)

This film marked Brosnan’s first appearance as the iconic secret agent James Bond. In ‘GoldenEye’, Bond must stop a rogue ex-agent from using a powerful satellite weapon against London to cause a global financial meltdown. The movie revitalized the Bond franchise after a six-year break and introduced a new, more modern 007 for the 1990s.

‘GoldenEye’ was a huge international success and is often considered one of the best films in the entire series. Brosnan was praised for perfectly balancing the character’s charm, danger, and vulnerability. His performance redefined James Bond for a new generation and cemented his status as a leading man and a global superstar.

Dante’s Peak (1997)

Brosnan stars as volcanologist Dr. Harry Dalton in this high-stakes disaster film. He arrives in the small town of Dante’s Peak after detecting unusual seismic activity from a dormant volcano. He must fight to convince the skeptical townspeople of the imminent danger before the volcano unleashes a catastrophic eruption.

Released at the height of his Bond fame, ‘Dante’s Peak’ was a major box office hit. The role allowed Brosnan to play a different kind of action hero, a dedicated scientist focused on saving lives. It proved he could carry a big-budget blockbuster outside of the spy genre and solidified his position as one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading men.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Brosnan returns for his second outing as James Bond. The plot sees 007 facing off against a power-hungry media mogul, Elliot Carver, who is trying to start a war between the United Kingdom and China. Bond teams up with a Chinese spy, Wai Lin, to stop Carver’s plan of using his media empire to manipulate world events.

The film was another major box office success, confirming the renewed popularity of the Bond franchise under Brosnan’s leadership. It was praised for its large-scale action sequences and commentary on the power of the modern media. Brosnan’s performance was again well-received, as he settled comfortably into the role, blending action and charm with ease.

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

In his third Bond film, Brosnan’s character is tasked with protecting Elektra King, the daughter of a murdered oil tycoon. The investigation leads Bond to uncover a plot by a ruthless terrorist named Renard, who cannot feel pain. The mission becomes deeply personal for Bond as he tries to stop Renard from triggering a nuclear meltdown in Istanbul.

This installment was notable for delving deeper into Bond’s character, showing a more vulnerable and emotionally conflicted side. The film was another commercial hit, continuing the successful run of the series in the 1990s. It is also remembered for featuring Desmond Llewelyn in his final appearance as the beloved character Q.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

Brosnan stars as Thomas Crown, a billionaire thrill-seeker who steals a priceless Monet painting from a New York City museum just for the fun of it. His world is turned upside down when an equally clever and charming insurance investigator, played by Rene Russo, is hired to track him down. A game of cat and mouse begins between the two.

The film is a remake of the 1968 classic and was a critical and commercial success. Brosnan, who also produced the film, was perfectly cast as the suave and sophisticated art thief. The role allowed him to use the same debonair charm he brought to James Bond but in a completely different context. It demonstrated his ability to lead a stylish and intelligent thriller outside of the 007 franchise.

Die Another Day (2002)

Brosnan’s fourth and final performance as James Bond begins with him being captured and tortured in North Korea. After his release, he must track down a traitor and a British billionaire who has developed a dangerous satellite weapon. The mission takes him from Cuba to London and finally to an ice palace in Iceland.

‘Die Another Day’ was the highest-grossing film of Brosnan’s tenure and marked the 40th anniversary of the Bond franchise. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, who found its plot overly reliant on computer-generated imagery and far-fetched concepts like an invisible car. Despite the criticism, it served as a grand, action-packed finale to Brosnan’s successful era as 007.

The Matador (2005)

In a role that departed from his usual image, Brosnan plays Julian Noble, a lonely and washed-up hitman on the verge of a nervous breakdown. While on a job in Mexico City, he forms an unlikely friendship with a struggling businessman named Danny Wright, played by Greg Kinnear. Their strange bond takes them on an unexpected journey.

‘The Matador’ earned Brosnan some of the best reviews of his career, along with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. He was praised for his brave and hilarious performance, which showed a completely different side of his acting range. The film proved he was more than just a handsome hero, showcasing his talent for dark comedy and complex character work.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Brosnan joined an all-star cast for this musical blockbuster based on the songs of ABBA. He plays Sam Carmichael, one of three men who might be the father of a young bride-to-be named Sophie. He travels to a Greek island for her wedding, where he is reunited with Sophie’s mother, Donna, played by Meryl Streep.

‘Mamma Mia!’ was a worldwide phenomenon, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. While his singing received mixed reviews, Brosnan’s charming and heartfelt performance was a hit with audiences. The role showed his willingness to take risks and have fun, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor and introducing him to a new, younger audience.

The Ghost Writer (2010)

In this political thriller directed by Roman Polanski, Brosnan plays Adam Lang, a controversial former British Prime Minister living in exile in America. He hires a ghostwriter to help him finish his memoirs, but the writer soon uncovers a web of dark political secrets that puts his own life in danger.

The film received widespread critical acclaim for its suspenseful plot and strong performances. Brosnan was praised for his portrayal of a charismatic but morally questionable politician, a character loosely based on former Prime Minister Tony Blair. The role was a return to more serious, dramatic territory for the actor and is considered one of his strongest performances.

The November Man (2014)

Brosnan returns to the world of espionage as Peter Devereaux, a lethal ex-CIA agent known as “The November Man.” He is pulled out of retirement for a personal mission that puts him in the crosshairs of his former agency and a one-time protégé. Devereaux must protect a vital witness while untangling a deep-rooted political conspiracy.

Serving as a producer on the film, Brosnan drove this project as a grittier, more grounded take on the spy genre. The role allowed him to explore a darker and more violent side of a secret agent, a stark contrast to his smooth portrayal of James Bond. The film was a solid action thriller that showcased his enduring presence as an action star.

Black Adam (2022)

Brosnan entered the world of superhero movies as Kent Nelson, also known as Doctor Fate. He is a powerful sorcerer and a senior member of the Justice Society of America. His team is tasked with stopping the ancient and immensely powerful antihero Black Adam, played by Dwayne Johnson, after he is freed from his thousands-of-years-long imprisonment.

The film was a commercial success, and Brosnan’s performance was singled out by many critics and fans as a highlight. He brought a sense of wisdom, warmth, and gravitas to the role of the veteran superhero. His portrayal of Doctor Fate was widely celebrated and showed that even decades into his career, he could make a strong impression in a major modern blockbuster.

The Unholy Trinity (2025)

Scheduled for a future release, ‘The Unholy Trinity’ is an upcoming adventure film. The story is set to follow a man who, in search of his estranged father, gets more than he bargained for when he stumbles upon a hidden treasure. The movie promises action and suspense, with Brosnan taking on a key role in the unfolding adventure.

This project shows that Pierce Brosnan continues to be a busy and in-demand actor. Tackling a new adventure film demonstrates his lasting appeal and his commitment to working across different types of movies. Fans look forward to seeing him return to the action-adventure genre, adding another exciting chapter to his already impressive and diverse filmography.

MobLand (2025)

Brosnan stars in the television series ‘MobLand’, which premiered on March 30, 2025. The crime drama focuses on a sheriff in a small Mississippi town who gets caught between the FBI and the Dixie Mafia. Brosnan’s character, Conrad Harrigan, is the lethal and enigmatic killer for the mob, a feared figure who operates in the shadows.

This series marks a significant television role for Brosnan, putting him at the center of a gritty crime story. Playing a dangerous mob assassin is a departure from many of his heroic roles and shows his continued interest in taking on complex and darker characters. The role serves as a compelling new showcase for his talent on the small screen.

Which Pierce Brosnan role is your absolute favorite, and which one did we miss?