Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, as officially announced, will be the new James Bond. News has it that the Kick-Ass star is expected to take on the role of 007, taking over from Daniel Craig, who has played MI6’s most famous spy for 15 years.
Ever since Daniel Craig announced that he will be leaving the spy franchise after the final film “No Time to Die” (2021), speculation about who will succeed him has been intense.
Eon Productions, which makes the spy thriller films, is on track to begin shooting this year. A source said: “The film will be shot in two weeks: “Bond will be taken over by Aaron, if he wishes to accept it. The official offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back. As for Eon, Aaron will be signing his contract in the next few days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.” The next Bond film was delayed due to last year’s Hollywood strikes.
But the same sources confirmed that the script is being worked on, with production scheduled to take place at Pinewood studios in Buckinghamshire. Aaron, 33, was in the running for the top spot alongside actors including Oscar winner Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and James Norton. When asked last week if he would step into Bond’s shoes, Aaron said: “I find it fascinating and wonderful that people see me in this role. I take it as a great compliment.”
In 2022, The Sun newspaper revealed he was in the running for the role after secretly auditioning for Bond film lead Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood studios. Aaron, who hails from High Wycombe, England, rose to fame starring in the movies “Kick-Ass” and “Avengers.”
He began his acting career in the 2000 film “The Apocalypse” opposite Richard Harris, and appeared in the 2008 teen film “Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging” and the 2022 film “Bullet Train” with Brad Pitt. Sources say that Aaron’s performance as a psychopath in the 2016 thriller Nocturnal Animals, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, opened the door for him to play Bond.
A source said: “Aaron is an incredibly talented actor. His role in Nocturnal Animals showed his depth as an actor. He is the perfect person to play Bond and will pick up well where Daniel left off. 56-year-old Craig left his Walther PPK pistol for the last time after 2021’s No Time To Die.
The latter film grossed more than £600 million at the worldwide box office. Daniel also starred in 2006’s “Casino Royale,” 2008’s “Quantum Of Solace,” 2012’s “Skyfall,” and 2015’s “Spectre.”