Pierce Brosnan feared bumping into Daniel Craig in Spandex on Mamma Mia! set, Meryl Streep reveals
Synopsis
Meryl Streep's candid revelation about Pierce Brosnan's behind-the-scenes anxiety on the Mamma Mia! set adds a humorous dimension to the actor's transition out of the Bond franchise. While the cast enjoyed filming amid London's wettest summer on record at Pinewood, Brosnan's fear of crossing paths with his replacement in a colourful costume underscores the awkwardness that can accompany major franchise handovers in Hollywood.
Key Takeaways
Meryl Streep revealed that Pierce Brosnan feared encountering Daniel Craig while wearing Spandex on the Mamma Mia! set in 2008 .
Brosnan played James Bond from 1995 to 2002 , before Craig took over the role.
Filming took place at Pinewood Studios during one of London's rainiest summers on record.
Streep described the experience as "complete fantasy" and "so much fun" for the cast overall.
The actress recently ruled out writing a memoir, saying her life would be "too boring."
Meryl Streep has disclosed that Pierce Brosnan harboured deep anxiety about encountering Daniel Craig — his successor as James Bond — while dressed in an outlandish Spandex costume during the filming of the 2008 musical Mamma Mia! at Pinewood Studios. The legendary actress explained that the former 007 actor, who portrayed the spy from 1995 to 2002, dreaded the prospect of being
Point of View
While amusing in hindsight, reflects a genuine professional vulnerability. That he felt compelled to avoid Craig while in costume speaks to how publicly visible such transitions can be, and how fragile ego becomes when stripped of the trappings of a signature role. Streep's framing — sympathetic yet gently humorous — suggests the cast recognised the discomfort but chose camaraderie over pity.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Meryl Streep reveal about Pierce Brosnan on the Mamma Mia! set?
Streep disclosed that Brosnan feared running into Daniel Craig, who had replaced him as James Bond, while Brosnan was wearing an outlandish Spandex costume during filming at Pinewood Studios. Brosnan worried he would be humiliated by the encounter.
When did Pierce Brosnan play James Bond?
Brosnan portrayed James Bond from 1995 to 2002, across four films. Daniel Craig succeeded him in the role.
Where and when was Mamma Mia! filmed?
Mamma Mia! was filmed at Pinewood Studios in the UK during the summer of 2008, which Streep described as one of London's rainiest summers on record.
What else did Meryl Streep discuss in the interview?
Streep mentioned she will not write a memoir because she finds her life "too boring," but expressed interest in returning to Broadway after 20 years, potentially collaborating with longtime friend Martin Short on a stage project.
How did Meryl Streep describe the overall filming experience of Mamma Mia!?
Despite the harsh weather, Streep called the experience "complete fantasy" and "so much fun," noting that the cast created lifelong friendships on set.
