Reports suggest that Aaron Taylor-Johnson may soon become the next 007 after rumors about Cillian Murphy.
News broke on Monday (18 March) that Taylor-Johnson was offered the role. As per ET Online, the 26th Bond film will start production later this year. A source close to the production revealed:
“Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. 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.”
EON Productions hasn’t confirmed these reports yet.
Murphy Was A Candidate
Murphy’s ‘Oppenheimer’ co-star Clay Bunker previously said the actor is a perfect candidate for the role. He argued Murphy could bring a darker edge to James Bond:
“He would fare beautifully. It’s funny because Cillian is the nicest human, but he has that dark side, and there’s a darkness to Bond. We forget that sometimes Bond is like the character Fleming created — a pretty dark character. He just happens to be on the side that we call good. Cillian has the ability to tap into that.”
As for now, there is no new Bond film in development.
Producers Were Waiting For The Perfect Actor
Craig portrayed Bond in five films since 2006 and made his final appearance in 2021’s ‘No Time to Die.’ Producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli told ET in 2022 that they want to take their time before choosing the next actor. This was because they wanted to find someone who could work with them on multiple films:
“He has to sign on for four or five films, so it takes a huge commitment. Not all the actors are ready and willing to do it. Daniel, it took him a long time to figure out that he had come and do it.”
Theo James, Callum Turner, and Regé-Jean Page were previously considered for the role. Lashana Lynch was also part of the conversation, but she said she just signed for one film.
