United Kingdom, March 31 -- Dame Helen Mirren has condemned the James Bond franchise as "sexist".

The Oscar-winning actress has never been a fan of the superspy franchise because believes the character - originally created by author Ian Fleming - was "born out of profound sexism" and she's never liked the way women were represented in the film series.

She told The Standard newspaper: "I have to say I was never a great ward [of James Bond]. I'm a huge fan of [007 star] Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan. I mean, oh my God ...

"And indeed [fellow former James Bond] Daniel Craig, who I've met and know a little bit. Again, a very lovely gracious person ...

"[But] the whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn't. I nev...