Pierce Brosnan’s latest role in The Last Rifleman offers the iconic actor a poignant opportunity to delve into themes of memory, loss, and resilience. Portraying Artie Crawford, a nearly 93-year-old World War II veteran on a personal pilgrimage, Brosnan reveals that the story hit close to home.
“I thought it was such a heartfelt story,” the Irish-born actor shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “It took me back to a part of Ireland that I didn’t know.” The film’s narrative brought echoes of his stepfather’s WWII experiences. “He was in the tank regiment and talked about a particular incident which haunted him,” Brosnan reflected.
Loosely inspired by the true story of British D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan, The Last Rifleman follows Crawford as he escapes his Northern Ireland living facility to attend the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings. Directed by Terry Loane, the film features a stellar cast, including Clémence Poésy and Jürgen Prochnow, and marks the final on-screen performance of the late John Amos.
A Transformative Journey
For Brosnan, becoming Artie was as much about physical transformation as emotional depth. The 71-year-old actor spent nearly two hours in the makeup chair each day as Millennium FX’s artisans worked to age him into the weathered veteran. Another hour was needed to remove the intricate prosthetics. “It was a bit of an undertaking,” Brosnan admitted, describing the process as a daily meditation.
Sharing screen time with John Amos was a highlight for Brosnan. The Good Times star passed away in August at 84, leaving behind a legacy of bold performances. “He’s a man that had lived a great life, who was a wonderful actor and entertainer,” Brosnan noted.
A Busy Slate for Brosnan
Far from slowing down, Brosnan has a packed schedule. Upcoming projects include Steven Soderbergh’s spy thriller Black Bag alongside Cate Blanchett, Chris Columbus’ adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club featuring Helen Mirren and Ben Kingsley, and a role in a new Cliffhanger movie.
Embracing a shift in his career, Brosnan says he welcomes mature roles. “The roles are that of a father, a grandfather, a wise wizard. I’m at a very joyful time,” he shared, grateful for the opportunities still coming his way.
The Future of Mamma Mia!
As fans clamor for a third installment of Mamma Mia!, Brosnan remains optimistic. While there’s no official news, he’s spoken with producer Judy Craymer and believes the cast would happily return. “I think it’s doable. Of course, it’s always the story. What is the story? I would definitely welcome the opportunity to go back into the world of Mamma Mia!”
From the haunting journey of Artie Crawford to the hopeful prospect of returning as Sam Carmichael, Brosnan’s career remains as versatile and vibrant as ever.
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