Is Aaron Taylor-Johnson The Next James Bond?

Writer’s note: I listened to the James Bond theme on repeat while writing this article. I suggest you do the same whilst reading it.

Has the new James Bond finally been chosen? According to the wildly unreliable British tabloid, The Sun, he has. Your new 007 is (maybe) Aaron Taylor-Johnson, of Kick-Ass, Outlaw King, and Tenet fame.

The Sun’s sources claim Aaron is Eon Productions’ official choice for the next Bond film, which is “on course to start shooting” later this year:

“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.”

The Sun adds that 33-year-old Aaron was in the running alongside recent Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, and James Norton. Big names like Tom Hardy, Regé-Jean Page, Richard Madden, and Dev Patel have also been bandied about since Daniel Craig announced he was exiting the franchise back in 2019.

So, why Aaron? Apparently, insiders really liked the actor’s performance in 2016’s Nocturnal Animals:

“Aaron 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.”

Are the rumors true? We don’t know. And Aaron ain’t talkin’. Last week, when the magazine Numéro brought up Bond, the actor replied, “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.” And in a new Rolling Stone UK interview, Aaron refused to comment at all:

Speaking of violent masculinity, those Bond rumours are impossible not to ask about, but I’m greeted with a predictable poker face. “I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell,” he says. “So, The Fall Guy, Nosferatu, Kraven the Hunter. I’m here to promote those.”

When I say it must be flattering to be associated with 007, he stares at me in silence. I add that I know he couldn’t possibly spill the beans to a journalist in this context; Barbara Broccoli is one formidable woman. More silence, although it is wry rather than severe. I laugh nervously. He asks me how my pasta is. 

Aaron changed the subject by asking about the interviewer’s pasta? Oh, he’s totally Bond.