007 in hot water: Brosnan’s Yellowstone visit leads to possible jail time

Renowned actor and environmentalist Pierce Brosnan, famous for his portrayal of James Bond, may find himself facing jail time after allegedly violating rules during a visit to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

Despite his self-description as a painter and environmentalist on Instagram, Brosnan reportedly strayed from designated paths during his November 1st visit to the park, known for its unique hydrothermal and geologic features. The Hollywood star received two belated ‘Christmas presents’ in the form of citations issued on December 26th.

Details about Pierce Brosnan’s specific actions remain undisclosed, but the 70-year-old actor has been charged with ‘Foot travel in all thermal areas and [within] Yellowstone Canyon confined to trails’ and ‘Violating closures and use limits,’ according to records filed in the US District Court for the District of Wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park strongly advocates for visitors to stay on designated paths, emphasizing their purpose to protect both visitors and delicate thermal formations. The park’s website explicitly warns against venturing off these paths, citing the dangers of hot springs that have caused injuries and fatalities in the past.

While both citations are categorized as petty offenses, they carry potential penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. In a similar incident in 2021, a woman faced a seven-day jail sentence, a $2,000 fine, and a two-year ban from Yellowstone after leaving the designated walkway and approaching the thermals.

Brosnan is scheduled to appear in US District Court in Mammoth, Wyoming, on January 23, 2024, in response to the citations. His alleged misconduct occurred just after filming in Wyoming for his upcoming movie, “The Unholy Trinity,” where he stars alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Brandon Lessard, and Ethan Peck.