Or has it? According to some of the UK press this morning, and even getting mentioned on British breakfast TV, an offer is on the table for an actor to take on the role of James Bond. However, a word of caution, this is the British press, and their track record on movie news and rumors, particularly relating to James Bond, is highly mixed. So until we get confirmation from somebody reliable, this gets one of these…
First appearing in a tabloid and then in a London free daily newspaper, the news is now in the wild. According to the reports, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been formally offered the role of James Bond and a contract could be signed this week ahead of production starting later this year on a new 007 adventure.
The Kick Ass actor, 33, will accept the role in the coming days, according to the usually opaque “source”. The same “source” told a British tabloid :
“Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back. As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.”
Last August, Taylor Johnson was asked outright whether he was in the running by Esquire magazine, and he responded:
“I just focus on the things I can have in my hands right now. What’s in front of me right now.”
There was an often repeated claim that he had already completed a secret audition for producer Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood Studios in 2022 and had been highly impressive.
Aaron made his debut back in 2008 comedy Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, before getting critical acclaim for 2009’s Nowhere Boy and his take on John Lennon. His resume includes Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Outlaw King, Tenet, Godzilla, and Bullet Train.
So is this it? Do we have a new 007? Well… possibly. Let’s weigh all this up.
For:
- He fits the profile that we know the producers have been looking for, including his career profile and age to commit to the role.
- He has been rumored for a long time, like many actors who eventually go on to play James Bond.
- This echoes the announcements of Dalton, Brosnan, and Craig. The name hit the press some days before the official actor unveiling.
- His next role is Kraven The Hunter for Sony. That Sony / Spider-Man franchise is a bust so he won’t be waiting for a sequel.
Against:
- This is the British press. When it comes to movie news, and particularly Bond, they are basically full of shit. This could just be a slow news day and an old story re-surfaced.
- The producers have repeatedly said they are nowhere near a decision.
- A script would be completed, and a director normally selected, to land the tone and approach of this iteration of Bond to inform the casting. There has been no news on this, and no director announcement.
On balance, to us, this remains an unsubstantiated rumor but this could change pretty fast.
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