The US Open broadcast delivered a moment of levity on Sunday when the camera cut from the Rolex court clock showing 0:07 to Pierce Brosnan, a subtle nod to his iconic James Bond role. The 73-year-old actor, known for playing 007 in four films from 1995 to 2002, was in the stands watching the men's singles final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton.
Brosnan, wearing a dark blue linen jacket over an unbuttoned white shirt, a blue pendant necklace, and tinted sunglasses, maintained a serious expression as the camera found him. The dissolve from the clock's digital timer to his face prompted laughter and applause from fans online, with the US Open's X account sharing the clip with the caption: 'The camera panning from the clock at 0:07 to Pierce Brosnan. Absolute cinema.'
Fans and commentators praise the camera work
Social media users quickly reacted with humor and admiration. @MissSassbox joked, 'Give the camera operator a raise and give it to them by end of business day today,' while Franklin Leonard offered 'compliments to the production team.' Irene Gómez called it 'genius, both the camera operator and the director,' and football correspondent Sid Lowe tweeted, 'Well played, sir.' Juanita Broaddrick posted, 'This was so cool. Legendary cameraman!!'
Some viewers were quick to correct the terminology, noting it was a dissolve rather than a pan. Others praised Brosnan's enduring Bond aura, with Lon Harris tweeting, 'Anyone who has ever played Bond gets an aura about them that never fades away. Dalton only made two films and still every time I see him, my brain goes, “That’s James Bond.”'
Brosnan addresses MobLand feud rumors
The lighthearted moment came days after Brosnan dismissed rumors of tension on the set of Guy Ritchie's crime drama MobLand, which returned for a second series. Speculation had swirled during filming about clashes between co-star Tom Hardy and showrunners, with reports of Hardy keeping cast waiting and disagreements over the script. Dame Helen Mirren had previously sought to quell the rumors.
Speaking at the premiere on Thursday night, Brosnan said, 'Oh my God, it was a storm in a teacup, really. I love the dude. I love Tom Hardy. I’m a massive fan of the man’s work. Truly.' He described the cast and crew as 'rock solid as a company, as a family,' adding, 'Everyone shows up for work, and everybody’s just there on the spot. It moves very fast so it’s not like we go out and socialise and go to the pub or anything like that. Everyone goes home to their families and before you know it, you’ve done 10 episodes.'
Hardy, who plays fixer Harry Da Souza, praised Brosnan and Mirren, who portray mob boss Conrad Harrigan and his wife Maeve, calling it a 'privilege' to work alongside them.
Brosnan's Bond legacy continues
Brosnan's Bond connection remains a topic of interest. He recently praised CIA actor Tom Ellis as 'a good James Bond' after they co-starred in Richard Osman's Netflix film The Thursday Murder Club last year. Ellis, 47, joked he might be too old for the role but appreciated the compliment from someone with Brosnan's expertise.
The US Open moment underscores Brosnan's lasting cultural impact, blending sports, cinema, and a shared joke that resonated with fans worldwide.
