Aaron Taylor-Johnson reportedly the top pick to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond

British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is reportedly pitted as the frontrunner to take Daniel Craig’s place as the new 007.

Taylor-Johnson, 32, has reached a major step in the lengthy process of auditions for James Bond, having already filmed a “gun barrel teaser” scene as the famous spy.

Working in movie promotion, and in the media for 20 years, Mark Boardman has met three former James Bonds and knows what it takes for a star to portray the role of Bond. The showbiz reporter and publicist exclusively revealed “James Bond is a fearless spy, a notorious womanizer, and a masculine icon; and whilst the role has evolved since Sean Connery’s first outing in Dr No, several key elements have remained the same:

The age (The past Bond actors were between the ages of 30-45 when they filmed their first James Bond film, which puts Aaron Taylor Johnson at the younger end of the scale and ideal to deliver four to five movies, but only if he fits in well with the production executives and cinema-goers.”.

“Aaron would become the second youngest James Bond, but he’s proved already that he is more than capable. On the red carpet at this year’s BFI, co-producer Michael G. Wilson stated that the next Bond will probably be “thirty-something.” which supports this stand-point.”

“The rumored casting of Aaron Taylor Johnson as Bond is a great successor to Daniel Craig, and for me, Aaron is one of my first choices for the role ahead of Tom Hardy and James Norton. I personally ruled out Idris Elba being Bond more than a year ago when he was still topping polls to take-over as 007, mainly because of it’s age” added the 42-year-old entertainment expert.

“Following Johnson ‘s lead role in Kick-Ass and subsequent roles it has all the attributes to sustain filming and a great work ethic and attitude. My personal meeting with him earlier this year at a launch event revealed his sensitive yet enigmatic side. With that said, my only concern is that with three movies already committed too in the coming 18 months, can the British born actor fit filming and other in-bound work around his busy filming schedule?” commented Boardman who founded showbiz site MarkMeets

“No doubt Aaron Taylor Johnson would have been speaking to his team, including his agent, manager, and fellow actors, to ensure he does not do anything to hinder his chances of reaching the call-back stages of auditions.”

“EON Productions would not cast someone who is typecast, and for that reason, it fits well for Aaron Taylor Johnson, who is being tipped as the favourite to play the new 007,” Mark added, that while there will be no shortage of actors vying for the role and we are still a couple of years away from filming, any future movie releases will only be delayed due to casting the right person.

“The coming months we’ll hear more and more quotes from the short-listed stars and journalists will be probing the very same question “Do you want to be the next Bond”, but we know the one’s who are most likely to fulfill the role generally stay silent and leave it open for debate; Aaron has done exactly that, and would be aware of the challenges, expectations and dedication required to take over as Bond”.

The source also claims Taylor-Johnson sat down with producer Barbara Broccoli, commenting that the meeting went “very well”.

Taylor-Johnson is known for his roles in films including the Kick-Ass movies, Nocturnal Animals and most recently, Bullet Train, where he starred alongside Brad Pitt and Joey King. He is also married to 50 Shades of Grey director Samantha Taylor-Johnson, 55. The pair married in 2012.

Details of Taylor-Johnson possibly bagging the coveted role have emerged over the last month that the actor had gone for a screen test for the role in September. “Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the front-runners,”

The source added, “Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalogue of action films.'”

Other actors who have reportedly been considered for the role include Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy and Bridgerton actor Regé Jean-Page. The news follows reports that celebrated actor Idris Elba “walked away” from the role of 007, despite “years of talks” with producers.

Elba gave up the chance to play Bond, despite being a crowd-favourite, so he could pursue other roles.

“Fans and Barbara wanted Idris but he wants to create something for himself,” a source told The Sun.

“However, he’s put forward names to play 007. He’s ‘informally’ in the decision-making process as he’s been in talks with producers for so long,” they added.

Aubrey Plaza is proudly kicking butt in her new action movie and says she hopes it inspires James Bond producers to look at women to take over the famed role. “Bond can be a woman! Who says Bond can’t be a woman?

Bond producer Barbara Broccoli seemingly put the issue to bed, telling MarkMeets on the red carpet last year saying she doesn’t believe that it’s the right move.

“I don’t think a woman should play James Bond […] I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles,” she said in a 2021 interview, adding her only stipulation for the next 007 is that they’re British but that can be any race or ethnicity.