Ever since “No Time To Die” hit theaters in 2021, James Bond fans have wondered who will replace Daniel Craig as the suave, sophisticated British super spy in the series’ next installment. Rumors abound as to an answer, but nothing concrete. So, no, Idris Elba and Taron Egerton fans, neither will be the next 007. But what about the new buzzy frontrunner for the part, Aaron Taylor-Johnson? The actor is keeping mum about his casting rumors, but People reports (via Esquire) he won’t confirm nor deny his involvement in a future series reset.
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“As I’ve already told you, I have to go by the beat of my own drum,” Taylor-Johnson told Esquire about him potentially playing Bond while promoting his upcoming film, “Kraven The Hunter.” “It’s my own path, what feels intuitive to me. I’ve never made a decision based on other people’s perspectives, or their judgments, or their expectations.” The actor continued that his choice in roles ultimately comes down to intuition and a need to “understand what is integral to you and what feels right, and you’ve got to stay on track with what’s present in front of you.” “Kraven is what’s in front of me,” concluded the actor.
But what about the Bond rumors? Taylor-Jonson responded, “It’s not really for me to say anything,” wanting to stay focused on “Kraven The Hunter” instead. “I’ve spent two years making Kraven. So all that hard work we put into trying to get that to where it is—that’s where I’m at right now.” So while that’s not a confirmation about Taylor-Johnson being cast as Bond, it’s also not a denial either. Maybe after “Kraven The Hunter” has its theatrical run, what’s next for the actor may indeed be James Bond; it’s more that Taylor-Johnson wants to take his career one project at a time.
There’s hardly been any concrete news about the future of the James Bond franchise since “No Time To Die,” only that the actor chosen must be male, British, and, as per producer Barbara Broccoli, commit to at least a decade of Bond films. But Michael G. Wilson also hinted late last year that “trying to visualize” younger actors has never worked out. “Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience,” said Wilson. “He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s what it works for a 30-something.”
And Taylor-Johnson is a 30-something. And the 33-year-old actor is also male and British, so check off two more boxes right here. For basis of comparison, Craig was 38 when he debuted as Bond in “Casino Royale” in 2006. Sean Connery was 32 when he played 007 in the first Bond film, “Dr. No.” The ages of other Bond actors when they started in the role? Roger Moore was 45, Timothy Dalton 41, and George Lazenby the youngest at 29. So if Taylor-Johnson is indeed the next Bond but playing coy his casting, he’ll be the third-youngest actor to take on the role.
But this is all speculation, and there’s no official news yet about what to expect with the upcoming Bond rebranding. The closest to official news is that Rebel Wilson said in May that she auditioned for a role in the next Bond film, but it wasn’t the lead part. So the mystery surrounding the new James Bond continues, but given Taylor-Johnson’s equivocal response about his involvement, don’t count him out just yet as the new 007. As for “Kraven The Hunter,” it hits theaters next summer on August 30, 2024.
