Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan says the next 007 must be British as Amazon MGM Studios take control over the historic franchise.

Brosnan spoke to The Telegraph, saying that it’s “a given” that a British actor should take up the 007 mantle.

An American actor has never played the role. Brosnan, who is Irish, and George Lazenby, an Australian, have been the only non-British actors to play James Bond.

He also commented on Amazon MGM’s new control of the franchise, saying that it “does come with a certain lament.”

In the recent deal, Amazon MGM acquired complete creative control of the franchise, but longtime Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli remain co-owners.

Although some are mourning the deal, Brosnan said it was nonetheless “the right decision for Barbara and Michael.”

“It takes great courage for them to let go. They will still have a say in matters. I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect,” he added.

Brosnan first appeared as Bond in 1995’s “GoldenEye” and played the part in three more films ending with 2002’s “Die Another Day.”

“History has been passed on and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies that I made with Barbara and Michael,” Brosnan said.

“That we moved the needle, that we brought it back to life. It had been dormant [for] six years and ‘GoldenEye’ was such a success that it continued and went from strength to strength…You know, everything changes, everything falls apart, and I wish them well,” he added.