Following Daniel Craig’s final entry in the franchise with “No Time To Die,” James Bond is the latest piece of big Hollywood I.P. in search of a new leading man. This casting gap, of course, has led the British tabloid press to go into overdrive speculating on who might be the new 007, proclaiming a new find one day and then contradicting themselves the next day with a new frontrunner as if nothing happened. One of those recently rumored in the mix for the dapper M16 spy is Aaron Taylor-Johnson (“Bullet Train,” “Kraven The Hunter,” “Goldeneye”). Asked about the potential casting, former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan (“Goldeneye”)shared his two cents on the possible casting, for what it’s worth, and gave the 33-year-old actor his endorsement.
“I think the man has the chops, and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so,” Brosnan said in an interview on The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1. While Brosan’s approval doesn’t mean much in the end, it’s perhaps something notable, and the veteran actor also offered some advice. “I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow…Be bold. Go out there and have a great time. Just love it. Just go for it,” he said.
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Taylor-Johnson is a solid Bond contender with previous franchise experience and is in the suitable age range (the studio wants an actor in their thirties). His last film credits make him a compelling choice, and we shouldn’t be utterly dismissive of the rumors of his casting, as his name has been brought up before and by more reliable news outlets. He’s undoubtedly a much more believable choice than older actors suggested by British outlets, such as Henry Cavill (who had auditioned for “Casino Royale” alongside Craig), Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender, and Idris Elba.
However, the BBC recently shot down The Sun’s rumors, a source telling the news outlet there was “no truth in the rumors.” Another credibility issue is all of the British tabloid’s “frontrunners” claim they keep throwing at the wall to see what sticks. Earlier in the month, the outlet said Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”) was a frontrunner (seemingly around the same time Brosnan endorsed him too). In December, fellow Irishman Paul Mescal (“Gladiator 2”) was another name they claimed was poised to take on the coveted EON/MGM role.
Rumors have suggested that “No Time To Die” co-writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge was coming back to pen an outline/story for the untitled “Bond 26,” but there hasn’t been an update on that front or any concrete director contenders. Meanwhile, some filmmakers themselves have downplayed the rumors, with Christopher Nolan and Matthew Vaughn suggesting they wouldn’t be the right people for the job.
As is always the case, proceed with caution regarding Bond rumors; British tabloids seem too thirsty to sell newspapers.
