That Aaron Taylor-Johnson will be the next James Bond is the very, very hot rumor currently making waves. It took place on the British tabloid it begins. With reference to own sources there it is reported that Taylor-Johnson had already made test shots for the 007 reel in September 2022. Bond boss Barbara Broccoli was thrilled with his performance. He is one of the favorites for the role as successor to Daniel Craig.
However, one should not rush to declare the star the new James Bond. Already the only sees him as a possible candidate. It is also highly questionable whether the test recordings really exist. In August, Broccoli and her production partner Michael G. Wilson revealed that there had been no auditions or test screenings as the job profile had yet to be finalized. But that seems to be the case, at least in part.
The next Bond won’t be very young – but probably not very old either
Because Wilson recently denied the rumors about a very young Bond. At a Bond anniversary event organized by the British film institute BFI, he explained that they had looked at younger actors, but found it didn’t work. After all, James Bond had already gained experience before becoming an agent for MI6:
“Remember, Bond is already a veteran. He already has some experience. He is someone who has endured wars, at least literally. He was probably with the SAS [Anm.: Spezialeinheit der britischen Armee] or something. He’s not a kid who’s just graduated from high school and you can get started right away.’
But since an actor is also being sought who is willing to play the role for more than ten years and who is fit enough to do so, a star that is too old cannot be hired. That’s why, according to Wilson, someone in their thirties is the best fit. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently 32 years oldeven if “Bond 26” wouldn’t be filmed for another two to three years, it fits perfectly into this schedule.
And of course Aaron Taylor-Johnson also fits his previous resume. He can embody both the charming heartthrob (see “Frontal Nutschen” and “Nowhere Boy”) and the action star (see recently “Bullet Train”). He has had action roles aplenty recently, can be seen in the new Marvel movie “Kraven The Hunter” in 2023 and is currently shooting “The Fall Guy”, a theatrical version of the cult series “A Colt for Everyone” with “John Wick” director David Leitch Cases”.
The times still don’t quite fit – or is someone cheating?
One thing still puzzles us. According to the there were the test shots with Aaron Taylor-Johnson in September 2022. The article clearly gives the impression that there were more such test shots with other candidates during this period. Meanwhile, the anniversary celebration with Wilson’s statements took place on the evening of September 30, 2022. And there, the producer not only gave candid information about the 007 requirement profile, but also added a statement:
Regardless of what others report, casting hasn’t started yet, according to Wilson on September 30, 2022!
Of course, there’s a chance he’s cheated a bit here to keep secret that candidates are already auditioning. But it wasn’t really necessary as a statement. That is why one has to place a very big question mark behind the – Make it public – especially since the British tabloid has been able to come up with accurate information about James Bond in the past, but is generally not the best and most reliable source.
So whether Aaron Taylor-Johnson really becomes the next 007 remains to be seen. In any case, it fits the requirements profile.