The speculation surrounding the next James Bond has been a perennial topic of discussion, from local pubs to online forums. Since Sean Connery’s departure post-“You Only Live Twice” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” the British press has indulged in rampant speculation regarding who will inherit the iconic tuxedo.
Following Daniel Craig’s winning exit in “No Time To Die,” the debate over the ideal 007 for 2023 and beyond has intensified.
Should Bond be portrayed by a woman? Is it time for the first Black Bond? Is Idris Elba too seasoned for the role?
Now, it appears an answer is within reach. After months of swirling rumors, British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has emerged as the frontrunner, with bookmakers favoring him at 5/2 odds.
He leads over contenders like Damson Idris, Henry Cavill, James Norton, and Regé-Jean Page. (Cavill, notably, was a strong contender alongside Daniel Craig in 2006 but was ultimately deemed too youthful for the role.) The lineup promises a thrilling and diverse array of possibilities.
Taylor-Johnson has remained tight-lipped about the Bond role but reportedly had a fruitful meeting with producer Barbara Broccoli. In an August 2023 cover story in US Esquire, he skillfully evaded the question. Writer Alex Pappademas observes,
“It’s worth noting that at any point Taylor-Johnson could have shut this down by saying, ‘No, mate, I’m not playing James Bond,’ and he never does.”
Is this enigmatic behavior a hint of his suitability for the role? Having debuted as a child actor in the John Lennon biopic “Nowhere Boy” (2009), Taylor-Johnson initially gained fame for his marriage to the film’s director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, and his role in the pre-Marvel superhero series “Kick-Ass.”
He has since matured and bulked up, embracing multiple franchise roles (now two and counting in the Marvel universe, including the upcoming “Kraven The Hunter”). Additionally, he portrayed a spy in the Bond spoof “The King’s Man.”
Taylor-Johnson’s on-screen roles have been diverse, often shining brightest in otherwise lackluster productions. He excels in character-driven roles, as seen in Tom Ford’s “Nocturnal Animals,” portraying a sinewy and unsettling loner, and in “Outlaw King,” embodying a violent and vengeful Scottish lord.
These performances in serious, adult-oriented films could seamlessly align with the tone of a post-Craig Bond, depending on the direction chosen by producers.
At 33, Taylor-Johnson fits the age criteria for Bond perfectly. Director Martin Campbell, known for helming Pierce Brosnan’s debut in “Goldeneye” and Daniel Craig’s first outing in “Casino Royale,” emphasizes the importance of casting a younger actor who can portray the spy for potentially the next 15 years, especially since filming may still be a year or two away.
Although Campbell isn’t expected to direct the next installment, his perspective, informed by his experience with two of the franchise’s standout films, remains invaluable to Bond enthusiasts.
As for the directorial helm of Bond 26, anticipation runs high. Following rumors linking Christopher Nolan to “No Time To Die,” the director of “Oppenheimer,” who previously cast Taylor-Johnson in “Tenet,” is once again in discussions.
Latest reports suggest he may direct two Bond films, set in the original era of Ian Fleming’s books.
With “Casino Royale” debuting in 1953 (nine years pre-Connery’s “Dr. No”), a distinctively different Bond era could be on the horizon.
Currently, Taylor-Johnson appears to be the ideal candidate. He excels in action sequences, possesses a strikingly angular visage, and matches Craig’s physical presence effortlessly. He enjoys a level of recognition without being overly familiar. Moreover, his performance in the 2022 action film “Bullet Train,” alongside Brad Pitt, showcased his star power.
Playing the gruff Cockney hitman Tangerine, Taylor-Johnson skillfully balanced comedy with action, all while impeccably donning a stylish suit.