Every Hollywood star who has donned the role of the iconic British spy, James Bond, has quite naturally turned into a chick magnet among fans. But what if we tell you that one 007 actor managed to smite more than just viewers—he almost left his co-star Salma Hayek drooling over his magnetic presence?
Well, it’s none other than the veteran legend Pierce Brosnan, who collaborated with Salma Hayek in their 2004 movie After the Sunset and left the actress simping over him. Meanwhile, as per Hayek, part of the reason she was swooning over Brosnan was because she’s had a crush on him since the 1980s.
Salma Hayek claimed to have a crush on her co-star
Salma Hayek has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but few have made her heart race like the James Bond legend Pierce Brosnan. Working with the veteran star in their 2004 movie After the Sunset, Hayek admitted to being thrilled to share the screen and steamy scenes with Brosnan, who happened to be her crush since the 1980s.
Long before they collaborated on Brett Ratner’s project, Salma Hayek confided in media outlets about admiring Pierce Brosnan since his early days of starring in the hit TV series Remington Steele. Being candid about her feelings for the star, the Mexican actress later admitted to loving every minute of filming since they shared “a lot of sexy scenes” (via Glamour).
We have a lot of sexy scenes. I had a crush on him when I was living in Mexico and he was doing [TV series] Remington Steele.
Meanwhile, during interviews with the Irish Examiner, Salma Hayek further elaborated on her crush on Pierce Brosnan. Claiming to have her eyes set on the star, Hayek admitted to looking for opportunities to share the screen opposite him. So finally, when she landed the role in the 2004 romantic comedy, Hayek was more than thrilled.
When I was living in Mexico – and I didn’t even know I was gonna be an actress – I used to have a crush on him in Remington Steele. That was my dream man.
Little did I know that one day I’d be in Nassau, Bahamas, on a beach kissing him. He’s gorgeous and he’s a gentleman and he’s a lovely human being. There is no age for that kind of quality. It goes on forever.
After swooning over his charm, deep voice, and signature suave style from Remington Steele, Salma Hayek made her dream come true to star alongside Pierce Brosnan, with After the Sunset. The film followed them as a pair of retired thieves trying to outsmart an FBI agent while sharing sizzling on-screen chemistry.
Pierce Brosnan had flattering words for Salma Hayek
Additionally, while Salma Hayek was swooning over Pierce Brosnan because of her crush on him, even the actor claimed to admire the Mexican bombshell. The 007 star seemed to be full of praise for his co-star, calling her an incredible actress and a joy to work with, during his interview with the Irish Examiner.
When she’s onscreen, there’s no one else. It’s not too shabby going to work with Salma.
Pierce Brosnan appeared to admire Salma Hayek’s dedication to her craft and her ability to bring life to every scene. He also complimented her natural beauty, humor, and warm personality, saying she made every moment on set enjoyable. Later on, during an interview with People, Brosnan even praised her riveting onscreen persona.
I may as well be flossing my teeth while she’s on-screen. ‘Hello, it’s just me there. I’m with her.’
So it seems that Salma Hayek and Pierce Brosnan’s chemistry in After the Sunset wasn’t just acting—it was the result of a genuine friendship and mutual respect. While Brosnan has always spoken highly of Hayek, calling her a talented actress, even the Mexican star has hailed the James Bond star’s magnetic presence.
After the Sunset is currently available to watch on Prime Video.
