Irish star Pierce Brosnan has called for closure for controversial film director Roman Polanski.

Brosnan who stars in Polanski's new movie, "The Ghost Writer," says the whole situation is very sad.

Brosnan (above in a scene from the movie) plays a former British prime minister who is writing his memoirs with the help of a ghost writer, played by Ewan McGregor.

"What happened was wrong in every way, but I just wish the man well and closure for this time in his life. He's a magnificent director and iconic in the world of cinema," he said.

"My heart goes out to his family, to his wife and to his children.

"I hope this chapter can be closed quickly."

The French-born Polanski last week lost his attempt to be tried in absentia in the U.S.

He is currently under house arrest in Switzerland where he was arrested for his conviction, 32 years ago, for unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Several high-profile Hollywood types including Martin Scorsese, Salman Rushdie, Sam Mendes and Neil Jordan have signed a petition calling for Polanski's release.