Rumors regarding the casting of James Bond have resurfaced with reports suggesting that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been presented with the role.
According to The Sun, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his roles in Kick-Ass and Marvel films, has reportedly been “formally offered the job” to portray the iconic 007 spy, previously portrayed by Daniel Craig.
Craig departed from the role in 2021 after featuring in five films over a span of 16 years.
The upcoming Bond film will be the 26th installment, following No Time to Die.
The BBC has reached out to both Taylor-Johnson and Eon Productions for comment.
In a recent interview with Numero magazine, Taylor-Johnson expressed appreciation for the rumors linking him to the role, describing it as “charming and wonderful” that people envision him in that capacity.
“I take it as a great compliment,” he added.
The 33-year-old actor, renowned for his portrayal of John Lennon in the biopic Nowhere Boy (2009), is currently the frontrunner according to bookmakers for the coveted role.
Additionally, he has showcased his talent in various other notable films such as the thriller Nocturnal Animals, for which he received a Golden Globe in 2017, as well as Anna Karenina, Godzilla, and Tenet.
Who else is in the running to play 007?
In the last three years, there has been a plethora of names suggested as potential successors to Craig, who is widely regarded as a challenging act to succeed.
Mark O’Connell, author of Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan, told the BBC after Craig’s departure: “A new Bond is not just a red-carpet suit and a timepiece endorsement arm.
“He must be a movie star, an ambassador for the series and cinema, a media diplomat, an anointed son of British culture and the face of a billion-dollar ecosystem of products and endorsements.
“He must be instantly recognisable across all corners of the globe as James Bond.
“He must be good looking, able to hold the camera and dominate cinema screens the size of football pitches.”