Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is Reportedly A Top Contender For Next James Bond

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has allegedly emerged as the frontrunner to be the next James Bond, after the iconic Daniel Craig. The actor has met with Bond producers such as Barbara Broccoli and had a successful secret audition. During the audition, Taylor-Johnson shot several test scenes, including one of the famous Bond gun barrel teasers.

Per reports, the franchise's bosses are very impressed with Taylor-Johnson and his action film catalog. Craig stepped down from the role after "No Time to Die" in 2021, ending his extensive run as the beloved secret agent since 2006. 

Broccoli and another producer, Michael G. Wilson, have previously spoken about casting another Bond hopeful, Idris Elba. They praised his talent as an actor but said they're not considering anyone for the role until after Craig's "No Time to Die" has completed its run.

Read on to find out more.

"Bullet Train" leading actor Taylor-Johnson has emerged as the frontrunner to be the next James Bond after Craig stepped down from the role in 2021. According to Puck News (via the Daily Mail), Taylor-Johnson has met with Bond producers, such as Broccoli, and even had a successful secret audition in 2022.

A source confirmed to the news outlet that the screen test with Taylor-Johnson went "very well" but that the producers are yet to make any final decisions. The "Avengers: Age of Ultron" actor is yet to make any comments on the news of him being the frontrunner. Broccoli and other producers are also yet to make any statements on their choice for the role.

During the secret audition, Taylor-Johnson reportedly shot several scenes as Bond, including one of the iconic gun barrel sequence scenes. In November, a source spoke to The Sun, saying, "Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September, and producers and Barbara loved him."

The source added that the franchise bosses liked the "Savages" actor and that his gun barrel teaser scenes have brought him "a step closer to signing a deal." The insider also said, "Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalog of action films."

Craig officially stepped down from the James Bond role after filming "No Time to Die," which premiered in 2021. The 54-year-old actor has played the role of the famous secret agent since first starring in 2006's "Casino Royale." He also featured in Bond films such as "Quantum of Solace" in 2008, "Skyfall" in 2012, and "Spectre" in 2015.

With Craig's recent exit, it quickly became obvious that Bond producers weren't in a hurry to recast the role and were more focused on finding the next best actor to play the iconic spy. Broccoli previously spoke about the important characteristics she and other producers are looking for in their next Bond.

She revealed that they're specifically interested in British actors below the age of 40, having previously considered and eliminated the idea of a younger Bond. Also, the next Bond would be taking on a 10 to 12-year commitment for the role.

Early in 2022, Broccoli and another Bond producer, Michael G. Wilson, were featured on the "Crew Call" podcast by Deadline. During the interview, they discussed the idea of casting another Bond hopeful, Idris Elba. Broccoli praised Elba's talent, saying, "Well, we know Idris — I'm friends with him, and he's a magnificent actor.

She continued per New York Post, "I think we have decided that until 'No Time to Die' has kind of had its run, and Daniel has been able to — well, we've all been able to — reap the benefits of Daniel's wonderful tenure, we're not gonna think about or talk about anybody else, actors to play the role or storylines or anything. We just wanna live in the moment, the present."