Will Aaron Taylor-Johnson be the next James Bond?

It's been a long wait for Bond fans, who have known for some time now that 2021's No Time to Die would be Daniel Craig's Bond swansong.

But, will Aaron fill the empty pair of suave spy shoes left by Craig? Read on for everything you need to know.

Will Aaron Taylor-Johnson be the next James Bond?

Aaron emerged as a surprise frontrunner ahead of other names said to be in the mix after it was reported that he has already filmed footage as Bond for the series's 007 opening gun barrel scene.

According to Matthew Belloni of Puck News, Taylor-Johnson "sat with [Bond] producer Barbara Broccoli, and the meeting went well".

Belloni added that Taylor-Johnson checks all of the boxes: "Great actor, British, fits the younger direction the Broccolis want to go, accomplished but not particularly famous."

But with the recent release of Bullet Train, as well as upcoming films Kraven the Hunter and The Fall Guy, Taylor-Johnson is affirming himself as a central character that will soon be more widely known for these leading roles.

Commenting on Taylor-Johnson's impending performances, Belloni said that there's a risk that "Taylor-Johnson might end up, ironically, too famous to take on Bond".

However, according to a report in The Sun, that moment hasn't come yet, as the actor has reportedly been offered the role.

A source told the tabloid: "Bond is Aaron'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 is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement."

The publication also claimed that a script for the next Bond film is already in the works, with the plan being that filming should kick off later this year.

Back in November 2022 the same publication reported that the 32-year-old actor impressed in a secret audition for Broccoli at Pinewood Studios in November 2022.

An apparent source said: "Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalogue of action films."

Taylor-Johnson is known for his roles in 2008 comedy Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and in 2009’s Nowhere Boy as a take on John Lennon, but has also proved himself as an action star through roles in the Kick-Ass movies, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Tenet.

Bond producer Michael G Wilson announced in October that the team were gravitating towards a “thirty-something” in line with the franchise tradition.

"We've tried looking at younger people in the past but trying to visualise it doesn't work," he told Deadline.

He continued: "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."

While Aaron would certainly fit the bill, fans will have to wait for official confirmation as to who'll be the next actor to take on the 007 mantle.

James Bond movies are available to rent or buy via Amazon Prime Video.

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