Paul Mescal in talks to play a young James Bond as Aaron Taylor-Johnson takes the lead
By Owen Tonks For Mailonline and Eve Buckland For Dailymail.Com
Paul Mescal is reportedly in discussions to potentially play a young James Bond in the upcoming film in the 007 franchise.
Movie bosses are said to be lining up two actors to take on the role of the iconic spy, one older and one younger. And there are rumors that Paul, 27, could be in the running to play the younger version of Bond, according to The Sun on Sunday.
The Irish star, who gained fame in 2020 through BBC Three’s romantic drama Normal People, has previously expressed his interest in the coveted role. He told Digital Spy that year: ‘Would I play Bond? Yeah? I don’t know. If it ever came my way, we’d discuss it.’
MailOnline has reached out to Paul’s representative for comment on the rumors.
At the same time, Aaron Taylor-Johnson was named the hot favorite to take over as James Bond in the next film in the franchise. Since Daniel Craig’s departure from the role after five films and his swansong in 2021’s ‘No Time To Die,’ speculation has been rife about who will replace the iconic actor.
An insider revealed to MailOnline that British actor Aaron, 33, was extremely close to landing the role, with Christopher Nolan, 53, who directed ‘Oppenheimer,’ looking likely to helm the next installment. The insider said that Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the hot favorite to step into the iconic role, adding, “He is the one to beat.”
Christopher Nolan is known for consistently working with certain actors, including Tom Hardy, who was rumored to be a potential Bond in the past and has worked with Nolan on three films.
While Aaron and Paul are both now linked to the iconic James Bond role, there’s no official confirmation as of yet. The competition for who will be the next 007 is heating up, and fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the official announcement.