Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson responds to claims he’ll replace Daniel Craig as James Bond

Actor has appeared to distance himself from rumours

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 22 March 2024 05:54 GMT
Comments
Marvel's Kraven the Hunter trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has distanced himself from claims he’ll be the next James Bond.

The Tenet actor made headlines on Tuesday (19 March) when it was reported that franchise producers were awaiting his response after making a “formal offer” for him to replace Daniel Craig as 007.

Taylor-Johnson, 33, was first rumoured for the role in January 2023 after it was reported producer Barbara Broccoli had been left impressed by a screen test with the actor, whose credits include Kick-Ass, Bullet Train and Nowhere Boy.

Now, seven months after awkwardly swerving questions about the rumours, he has once again attempted to pour water on the suggestion he’ll play the British spy in an interview conducted before the alleged offer was said to have been made.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone UK, Taylor-Johnson, who is promoting Sony’s Spider-Man spin-off Kraven the Hunter, said: “I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell. So, The Fall Guy, Nosferatu, Kraven the Hunter. I don’t feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me. I feel like, whatever’s drawn out for me, I can f***ing do better.”

The outlet noted that he delivered the answer “with a wry smile”.

Elsewhere in the interview, he continued to pour water on the idea he might be Bond by saying he “doesn’t necessarily want... doing one action movie after another” to be his “brand”.

These comments echo quotes he made in August 2015, when, after being asked if it was exciting to consider playing Bond, he responded: “I just focus on the things I can have in my hands right now. What’s in front of me right now.”

According to The Sun, Eon Productions are hoping to start filming the 26th Bond film later this year, and 33-year-old Taylor-Johnson is producers’ choice for the role.

A source told the outlet: “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.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and former James Bond actor Daniel Craig
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and former James Bond actor Daniel Craig (Getty Images / Eon Productions)

“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 Independent has contacted Taylor-Johnson and Eon productions for comment. The April/May issue of Rolling Stone UK is out now.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in