Aaron Taylor-Johnson ‘formally offered’ the chance to play James Bond: report

Nika Shakhnazarova
·3 min read
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It appears as though the search for the next James Bond is over.

British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly been offered the role of a lifetime as the “shaken, not stirred” martini-sipping secret agent, sources told The Sun.

The “Bullet Train” actor, 33, is expected to sign on the dotted line this week, the outlet adds.

British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly been offered the role of James Bond. WireImage
British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly been offered the role of James Bond. WireImage

EON Productions, which makes 007 films, is said to be preparing to start shooting later this year.

“Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it,” an insider told the outlet. “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,” the source added.

Should he accept the deal, the “Tenet” actor will take over the reins from Daniel Craig, who starred as Bond in a total of five films spanning over 15 years.

Daniel Craig starred as Bond in a total of five films spanning over 15 years. ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection
Daniel Craig starred as Bond in a total of five films spanning over 15 years. ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection

Craig, 56, was in his 30s when he signed on for the role.

After playing Bond in the 2006 film “Casino Royale,” he went on to star in “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” before his final hurrah in 2021’s “No Time To Die.”

Taylor-Johnson, for his part, reportedly underwent a screen test for the Bond franchise in 2022.

The “Bullet Train” actor, 33, is expected to sign on the dotted line this week. AP
The “Bullet Train” actor, 33, is expected to sign on the dotted line this week. AP

“I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment,” he told reporters last week.

A source told the outlet that Taylor-Johnson “may not be the best known in his field but he is an incredibly talented actor.”

“His role in Nocturnal Animals showed his depth as an actor. He is the perfect person to play Bond and will pick up well from where Daniel left off,” the insider added.

Craig, 56, was in his 30s when he signed on for the role. ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection
Craig, 56, was in his 30s when he signed on for the role. ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection

The Post has reached out to EON Productions and Taylor-Johnson’s reps for comment.

The actor’s first major role was in the hit British coming-of-age comedy “Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging” back in 2008.

He went on to star as teenage John Lennon in “Nowhere Boy” in 2009, where he met his now-wife and the film’s director Sam Taylor-Wood.

Taylor-Johnson reportedly underwent a screen test for the Bond franchise in 2022. WireImage
Taylor-Johnson reportedly underwent a screen test for the Bond franchise in 2022. WireImage

Taylor-Johnson was 18 when he met Taylor-Wood, who was 42 at the time. The pair tied the knot three years later.

The actor went on to appear in major films including “Kick-Ass,” “Anna Karenina,” “Godzilla,” “Nocturnal Animals,” and “Tenet.”

He is set to appear alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in the upcoming action-comedy “The Fall Guy” later this year.