Exclusive Interview: Pierce Brosnan Talks ‘Fast Charlie,’ Trusting His Instincts and Intuition, and More

Pierce Brosnan—iconic, renowned, celebrated, and truly one-of-a-kind. These are just a few ways to capture the essence of the man, the myth, the legend. With over a hundred credits to his name (and growing) and countless accolades, Pierce Brosnan’s body of work speaks for itself.

His latest feature finds Pierce stepping into the titular role in Fast Charlie. Charlie Swift (Pierce Brosnan), aka “Fast Charlie,” is a fixer with a problem: the target he’s whacked is missing his head. And he must prove it’s the intended target to the man who paid for the hit—New Orleans’ most prominent and most ruthless mobster, Beggar Mercado (Gbenga Akinnagbe). Charlie enlists Marcie Kramer (Morena Baccarin), the victim’s ex-wife and a woman with the backbone and skillset Charlie needs. Dragging Marcie back into a past she was determined to escape sends the two of them on a wild and unpredictable odyssey that’s unexpectedly amusing, action propelled, and ultimately heartfelt. Along the way, Charlie and Marcie fight to protect the legacy of Charlie’s best friend and mentor, Stan Mullen (James Caan in his final performance), while bringing down Beggar and his entire operation.

Pop Culturalist had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Pierce about Fast Charlie, trusting his instincts and intuition, and his collaboration with director Phillip Noyce, screenwriter Richard Wenk, and James Caan.

PC: Fast Charlie is set to be released in theaters and On Demand on December 8th, already receiving numerous incredible reviews. What was it about this character and script that resonated with you?
Pierce: It was Victor Gischler’s book, my love for gangster movies, and Phillip Noyce, the director. I read the book, loved this film genre, and admired James Caan. Although James wasn’t part of it at that point, it was that trifecta. I thought I could do it. It felt so good. I love characters that are outsiders, loners, and those with some mystique to them.

Phillip Noyce and I got along very well. I’ve tried working with Richard Wenk, who did the adaptation, in the past. So there was this rapport between writer, director, and actor. Then came the wonderful James Caan, Morena Baccarin, and Toby Huss.

Somehow we got the movie made down in New Orleans. It wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, but we have this beautiful film that’s made with heart. That all goes to Phillip Noyce, who really orchestrated it like a ringmaster.

PC: As you brought Charlie from the page to the screen, what’s one thing you wanted to make sure was translated from the book to the screenplay? What’s something new that you brought to him?
Pierce: That’s a hard question to answer because you read the book, and there’s one dynamic of that character. Then the adaptation is another iteration. But you also want to invest yourself in the role, so there’s a certain blending that happens. It’s very hard for me to express what I really wanted because sometimes I don’t know what I want. I just have an instinct and intuition. Mine came from love, friendship, and a man who didn’t have a father. They came from deep, personal desires and wants.

So when you begin to invest yourself in the body of work by Victor Gischler, the adaptation by Wenk, and director Phillip Noyce, you’re always sifting through it. I wanted to show someone who was hopeful. It’s a love story. It’s a love story between two friends. One from this boss/brother figure and another with this woman who he didn’t expect to meet and isn’t quite sure where it should go. But within the space of the story, they have feelings for each other.

PC: You’ve worked on projects of all sizes. What is it about independent filmmaking that excites you as a storyteller?
Pierce: The independence. [laughs] There’s something special about being able to find a project with great writing and have a prior relationship with either the producer, director, and writer and go off and make that movie and raise money for it. But I’ve always been independent. I’ve always worked outside and weaved a career within the system as well. But my heart is independent.

To keep up with Pierce, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Fast Charlie wherever you stream movies.