Pierce Brosnan thinks his version of James Bond was less ''sexist and misogynistic'' than earlier incarnations.

The 62-year-old actor - who starred as the iconic secret agent in four films, from 1995 to 2002 - has defended his version of Bond, suggesting he was more forward-thinking than prior incarnations.

Pierce said: ''I never thought of him like that. I saw him as a solitary, enigmatic character.''

However, he does, to some extent, agree with Daniel Craig's recent claim that Bond is ''very f**king lonely''.

He told Digital Spy: ''I saw him as a fellow who carries a certain amount of pain and angst. Deep down as someone who's quite troubled, and solitary - [though] IAN FLEMING really doesn't give you a lot to hang your hat on.

''There's a lovely sequence in [novel 'Casino Royale'] where Bond is on a flight to Amsterdam and there is terrible turbulence and he's shaking in his shoes, from turbulence. 'The drink, the drink, give me the drink'.''

Last month, meanwhile, Pierce revealed he would welcome a gay James Bond - but doesn't think it'll ever happen.

Asked if he could picture a gay Bond, Pierce said: ''Sure. Why not?

''Actually, I don't know how it would work. I don't think [producer Barbara Broccoli] would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime. But it would certainly make for interesting viewing.''