Eon Productions has reportedly offered the opportunity to be the next James Bond to British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, according to a publication in the U.K.
The news comes after Daniel Craig starred in the iconic role of 007 for more than a decade, starting with “Casino Royale” in 2006 before making “Quantum of Solace” in 2008, “Skyfall” in 2012, “Spectre” in 2015, and “No Time to Die” in 2021.
“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,” a source told The Sun. “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.”
Other top candidates for the role reportedly included Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, and James Norton.
Work on the next Bond film has been delayed due to the Hollywood strikes last year, the report said. The script is currently being written.
When he was asked recently about whether he would be the next Bond, Taylor-Johnson responded: “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”
Taylor-Johnson is known for his roles in “Kick-Ass,” “Kick-Ass 2,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Nocturnal Animals,” “Godzilla,” “Tenet,” and “Bullet Train.”
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Taylor-Johnson’s most recent film was Sony Pictures’ “Bullet Train,” directed by David Leitch, in which he plays British assassin Tangerine. The film was hit with a 54% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, though it performed better with general audiences with a 76% score. “Bullet Train” ultimately went on to gross $239.3 million worldwide on a reported budget of $85-90 million.
Taylor-Johnson can next be seen in “The Fall Guy” with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, as well as “Kraven the Hunter,” the latter having been delayed one year due to the 2023 actors’ strike.