Bullet TrainandAvengers: Age of UltronstarAaron Taylor-Johnsonhas found himself as a sudden favorite for the role ofJames 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 ofPuck 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 theJames Bondfranchise.
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 movieKick-Ass, monster movieGodzilla, the Marvel outingAvengers: Age of Ultron, psychological thrillerNocturnal Animals, and Christopher Nolan’sTenet, 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.
Related:Aaron Taylor-Johnson Needs to Be the Next James Bond, Gurinder Chadha Says
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 Bondfrom Daniel Craig following his swansongNo Time to Die.
Aside from Taylor-Johnson, the tippy top of the favorites list includes many of the usual names, withMan of Steelstar Henry Cavill at 5/2,Bridgertonactor Regé-Jean Page at 6/1, andLittle WomenandThe Neversstar James Norton currently at 15/2. Coming up just behind them are the likes of Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, andThe Gueststar Dan Stevens,who recently found his name among the favorites list.
While details of who will be chosen to be the nextJames Bondlargely remain a mystery, producer Michael G. Wilson recently revealed thatthey 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 leadKraven the Hunterfor Sony Pictures, which is due to hit theaters on July 12, 2025.
