‘James Bond’ Movies Blasted by Millennials for ‘Sexist’ and ‘Racist’ Plots

James Bond has been a staple of cinematic work in Britain for more than 56 years, with 26 films surrounding 007’s adventures. But millennial viewers who are watching early Bond films have taken to Twitter, blasting the franchise for its sexiest and racist themes.

Viewers who were too young to watch Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton or even Pierce Brosnan portray the suave spy in theaters are now watching the throwback films with fresh eyes, and they are taking major issue with Bond’s demeanor.

Connery’s portrayal of Bond in particular has young audiences dissatisfied as they have painted him a “sexist wife beater” and “scumbag” on social media. Connery starred in seven Bond films from 1962-1983.

Aside from being painted a sexist, Moore’s portrayal of Bond in Man With the Golden Gun in 1974 was dubbed racist for remarks may by the sheriff, played by J.W. Pepper.

The American officer is seen on vacation in Thailand in the film, where he calls people in Bangkok “little brown pointy heads.”

The criticism of early Bond films comes after millennial viewers took an interest in 90s sitcom Friends, which was recently added to Netflix. After watching the series, many claimed the fan-favorite comedy was homophobic, transphobic and sexist. But comparatively, some maintain that Bond’s inappropriate themes are worse.

The conversation on race and sexism is even being brought into modern portrayals of the character as talks of developing a story for an African-American Bond or a female lead have made recent headlines.

When asked about the direction of the series after current Bond actor Daniel Craig exits, producer Barbara Broccoli said, “These films tend to reflect the times so we always try to push the envelope a little bit. Anything is possible. Right now it’s Daniel Craig, and I’m very happy with Daniel Craig, but who knows what the future will bring?”

Actor Idris Elba has also spoken out about his desire to see a female Bond — all while he is considered among fans’ favorite to replace Craig when the time comes.

“I would be interested in having a Bond character other than being a male,” Elba said, as reported by PEOPLE. “It could be a woman, it could be a black woman, it could be a white woman. But I think that character, everyone would like to see [them] do something different with it, you know. Why not?”

The next 007-based film starring Craig is unnamed, but is set to release November 8, 2019.