Strike up the orchestra and queue up the James Bond theme because, reportedly, a new tuxedo-clad spy has arrived. According to reports from The Sun, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been cast as the next James Bond. We suppose you can shake your martinis now just in case these rumors prove true.
It seems like fans have imagined every British actor as the next James Bond ever since Daniel Craig announced he would not return to the role. (And probably even before that.) But it’s possible the James Bond gods have finally chosen one amongst the rest. If Aaron Taylor-Johnson is indeed our next Bond, that will make him the eighth actor to play the role of the MI6 agent.
The Sun notes that “a source [at Eon Productions] said: “Bond is Aaron [Taylor-Johnson]’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back… As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron [Taylor-Johnson] is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.” Additionally, the publication notes we may see the move sooner than we think. According to the report, “Eon Productions, which makes the spy thriller films, is on course to start shooting this year,” and “insiders confirmed a script was now being worked on, with production scheduled to take place at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.”
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been a rumored contender for the role of James Bond for the last few years. And, according to Deadline, James Bond producer Michael G. Wilson shared they were casting Bonds in Taylor-Johnson’s age range. Wilson noted, “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. 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.” Of course, that doesn’t narrow the casting to Taylor-Johnson specifically. But it also doesn’t rule him out.
Personally, Aaron Taylor-Johnson isn’t who I might imagine as Bond. But I did feel attached to Craig’s version. Still, it’ll be interesting to see how the franchise evolves going forward. Producers imagine this Bond to play the role “for a decade, at least.” So it’s a serious decision. For now, the James Bond casting remains an unconfirmed report. But it certainly has picked up a lot of chatter. If Taylor-Johnson is Bond, hopefully, we’ll hear an official confirmation (or denial) soon.
Most recently, E! Online shared that their source, Taylor-Johnson has not yet been offered the role, but it could still happen. Well… We need a spy to help us untangle all of this Bond news.
If nothing else, we’ll soon see Taylor-Johnson as Kraven the Hunter in the upcoming Sony movie. Not exactly the same energy… Kraven probably drinks his martinis stirred. But we’ll take it.
Originally published on March 19, 2024.
