Bullet Train and Avengers: Age of Ultron star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has found himself as a sudden favorite for the role of James Bond, with a new report confirming the recent rumors that the actor has met with producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli about taking over as 007. The report, which comes courtesy of Puck News, claims that yes, the rumors are indeed true, with the meeting between Taylor-Johnson, Wilson, and Broccoli going “well.”
“And, obviously, the granddaddy of casting coups: James Bond. The Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumors are true – he sat with producer Barbara Broccoli, and the meeting went well, per sources,” insider Matthew Belloni writes in the report regarding Taylor-Johnson and his possible involvement with the James Bond franchise.
Known for roles across several genres, including action, thriller, drama, and comedy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is best recognized for starring in the likes of the comic book movie Kick-Ass, monster movie Godzilla, the Marvel outing Avengers: Age of Ultron, psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals, and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, among others.
Taylor-Johnson most recently starred alongside Brad Pitt in the action outing, Bullet Train, and while his character was not exactly Bond-like, all the ingredients are certainly there for Taylor-Johnson to become the next actor to wield a license to kill.
Who is in the Running to be the Next James Bond?
Since the rumors and reports began to circulate, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has seen his odds vastly improve, with the actor now at 2/1 to take over the role of James Bond from Daniel Craig following his swansong No Time to Die.
Aside from Taylor-Johnson, the tippy top of the favorites list includes many of the usual names, with Man of Steel star Henry Cavill at 5/2, Bridgerton actor Regé-Jean Page at 6/1, and Little Women and The Nevers star James Norton currently at 15/2. Coming up just behind them are the likes of Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and The Guest star Dan Stevens, who recently found his name among the favorites list.
While details of who will be chosen to be the next James Bond largely remain a mystery, producer Michael G. Wilson recently revealed that they are not necessarily looking for a younger actor to play the coveted role. “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran,” Wilson explained. “He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
This would out Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is currently aged 32, in the perfect position to take over as James Bond. Old enough to have the “experience,” yet young enough to carry the franchise for some time, it’s starting to look more and more possible that the next 007 has been found.
Of course, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is also busy with other franchises, with the actor due to lead Kraven the Hunter for Sony Pictures, which is due to hit theaters on October 6, 2023.