The quest for the next leading man in the famed spy franchise has reached its conclusion. British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly received a formal offer to step into the shoes of the iconic secret agent synonymous with martinis and intrigue, as per sources cited by The Sun. At 33, Taylor-Johnson stands on the brink of accepting this career-defining role, although no official confirmation has been made yet.
Should Taylor-Johnson accept the offer, he would become the seventh actor to embody this legendary British character since its inception in 1962. Despite a public desire for Idris Elba, who, at 51, is considered slightly aged for the role, Elba has stated he’s not pursuing the opportunity.
Famous for his roles in “Bullet Train,” “Nocturnal Animals,” “Kick-Ass,” “Nowhere Boy,” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Taylor-Johnson seems to have clinched the sought-after part, according to The Sun. While negotiations are underway, Taylor-Johnson is expected to finalize the deal imminently, reported The Sun.
EON Productions, the studio behind the 007 series, is purportedly gearing up for production to commence later this year. “If Aaron chooses to accept, Bond is his,” an insider revealed to The Sun. “The offer is on the table, awaiting his response.”
If Aaron agrees, he will succeed Daniel Craig, who portrayed Bond across five films over 15 years, with his final appearance in 2021’s “No Time To Die.” Taylor-Johnson reportedly underwent a screen test for the Bond role in 2022. Addressing speculation last week, he remarked, “I’m flattered by the suggestion. It’s a tremendous honor.”
Taylor-Johnson’s career began to ascend with his role in the beloved British comedy “Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging” in 2008. Notably, he portrayed a youthful John Lennon in “Nowhere Boy” in 2009, where he crossed paths with his future wife, director Sam Taylor-Wood.
The actor’s personal life has garnered considerable attention, chiefly due to the notable age difference between him and his spouse. He wed Sam Taylor-Johnson, 57, in June 2012. The couple shares two daughters, Wylda Rae, 13, and Romy Hero, 11. Taylor-Johnson, who directed “Fifty Shades of Grey,” also has two older daughters, Angelica, 26, and Jessie, 17, from his wife’s previous marriage.
Their relationship’s origins trace back to their collaboration on “Nowhere Boy” in 2009, when Aaron was 18 and Sam was 42. They welcomed their first child, Wylda, the following year.
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2000 | The Apocalypse | Johanan | |
2002 | Tom & Thomas | Tom Sheppard / Thomas | |
2003 | Behind Closed Doors | Sam Goodwin | |
Shanghai Knights | Charlie Chaplin | ||
2004 | Dead Cool | George | |
2006 | The Thief Lord | Prosper | |
The Illusionist | Young Eisenheim | ||
Fast Learners | Neil | Short film | |
The Best Man | Michael (Aged 15) | ||
2007 | The Magic Door | “Flip” | |
2008 | Dummy | Danny | |
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging | Robbie Jennings | ||
2009 | The Greatest | Bennett Brewer | |
Nowhere Boy | John Lennon | ||
2010 | Kick-Ass | Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass | |
Chatroom | William Collins | ||
2011 | Albert Nobbs | Joe Mackins | |
2012 | Savages | Ben Leonard | |
Anna Karenina | Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky | Final credit as Aaron Johnson | |
2013 | Kick-Ass 2 | Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass | First credit as Aaron Taylor-Johnson |
2014 | Captain America: The Winter Soldier | Pietro Maximoff | Uncredited cameo; mid-credits scene |
Godzilla | Lieutenant Ford Brody | ||
2015 | Avengers: Age of Ultron | Pietro Maximoff | |
2016 | Nocturnal Animals | Ray Marcus | |
2017 | The Wall | Sergeant Allen “Ize” Isaac | |
2018 | Outlaw King | James Douglas, Lord of Douglas | |
A Million Little Pieces | James Frey | Also writer and producer | |
2020 | Tenet | Ives | |
2021 | The King’s Man | Archie Reid | |
2022 | Bullet Train | Tangerine | |
2024 | The Fall Guy † | Tom Ryder | Post-production |
Kraven the Hunter † | Sergei Kravinoff / Kraven the Hunter | Post-production | |
Nosferatu † | Friedrich Harding | Post-production[35] |
† | Denotes films that have not yet been released |