Isn’t he now? The speculation surrounding 007 is more complex than the films

Is the long search actually over? Yesterday, the British tabloid ‘The Sun’, which was not particularly reputable to say the least, reported that Aaron Taylor-Johnson would become the new James Bond. Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is said to have offered the Brit a contract that was ready to be signed. Many media outlets around the world took advantage of this one source of the insider report and dubbed the 33-year-old the new 007.

Today this was denied again in a BBC report. According to another production insider, “there is no truth to the rumors.” And presto, Taylor-Johnson, known for “Kick-Ass,” “Godzilla” and Marvel’s “Avengers,” is out the window again. The retraction crowds out the breaking news. The following applies to reporting about 007: You only live twice.

The actor’s reactions to the speculation about his involvement with Bond that had been going on for some time were also varied. Taylor-Johnson was once reluctant to commit to any particular franchise for any length of time. However, last week he said in true “Never Say Never Again” style: “I think it’s charming and wonderful that people see me in this role. I think that’s a great compliment.”

Taylor-Johnson is not the first name to appear prominently in the media as Daniel Craig’s successor. Idris Elba was highly regarded for a few years as the first black secret agent in Her Majesty’s service, but at 51, he’s probably too old for a youthful new start to the series. Also mentioned again and again are “Superman” Henry Cavill, Michael Fassbender, who has just returned from racing to the movie business, and “Bridgerton” darling Regé-Jean Page.

The recent speculation about Christopher Nolan’s involvement has been extremely exciting. The brand new Oscar winner for ‘Oppenheimer’ should be the first choice for the director’s chair. However, Nolan likely demanded full artistic control over the Bond reboot, which he also wanted to historically align with the spirit of Ian Fleming’s novels. Does that suit the producers, who hardly want to hand over their golden goose out of their own hands?

The 007 actor was always a child of his time, and today he is also the crown prince of the public. This loudly calls for his participation in identity politics: James Bond can no longer be white – or preferably a woman. The viewers’ projections fuel speculation (“What, that must be it? Too old, too young, not enough minority!”), and thus also brand loyalty.

The British Bond production company Eon can look forward to the continued free attention. Whether Taylor-Johnson really takes over or the ‘Sun’ report turns out to be a hoax – at least one goal has been achieved: the Bond series, the last film of which was three years ago and the next of which barely hit theaters before will be released 2026 again in the whole world.