Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s appearance inBullet Traincame after a fight and wasn’t just handed over to him. Directed byDavid Leitch, the film stars Brad Pitt in the leading role. It follows Ladybug (Pitt), who mustavoid assassination attempts on him in a Japanese bullet train. InBullet Train, Aaron Taylor-Johnson portrays a British assassin code-named Tangerine who comes face-to-face against Ladybug in this action-adventure ride on a train.
In a recent interview withThe Hollywood Reporter,Aaron Taylor-Johnsondiscussed his role in the film and shed some light on his process to bag the part. Turns out, Leitch had Taylor-Johnson fight for the part as there were apparently several other actors who wished to get it. The actor, talking about his conversation with Leitch, toldTHRthat it was his first call with the director after he had declined a part inDeadpool 2, which helped him establish a relationship with him. He said,
When this came around, I was like, “Hey, do you remember me?” And he was like, “Of course. I like you as an actor.” So I was like, “Cool, what about this character?” And he was like, “Get in line, buddy. There’s like ten other actors who want this job and they’ve got a bigger name than you do.” (Laughs.) So I don’t expect these roles to be handed out, and I’m willing to fight for them, which is what I had to do for this. So I think I’m in the driver’s seat because I’m working hard. I also try to manifest what I feel, and sometimes, the universe brings it back my way. But you still have to actively go out and get it."
However, Taylor-Johnson was thankful to David Leitch and how he choreographed his action sequences with Brad Pitt. He added,
Related:Aaron Taylor-Johnson Turned Down David Leitch’s Offer of a Deadpool 2 Role
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Work onBullet TrainProbably Got HimKraven The Hunter
Sony Pictures Releasing, who distributedBullet Train, got Aaron Taylor-Johnsonthe lead role in the upcoming Sony’s Spider-Man Universe film,Kraven The Hunter, based on his performance in this film.
In the interview, when asked if it’s true he baggedKraven The Hunterbecause ofBullet Train, the actor replied,
That’s what I hear! I feel very fortunate. It’s one of those magical and rare moments where the stars align from just doing your job the best you may. I was turning up to work and just loving everything. And then someone else further up the totem pole was looking down and noticing the hard work and what I was trying to achieve. So it’s always really lovely when that happens, but it doesn’t happen very often, if at all.
Further adding on the conversation he had with Sony forKraven The Hunter, Taylor-Johnson replied,
There was stuff coming out of the rushes, and then I got a call, saying, “We’re thinking of you for this thing.” That’s when they put me in touch with J.C. Chandor, the director, and Matt Tolmach, the producer, and we all hit it off. So I’m very blessed that Kraven was the next project, and to be with the same studio, Sony, was really wonderful.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has already wrapped production onKraven The Hunter, which will release on August 14, 2025.
