British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson (“Bullet Train”) has reportedly received an offer for the coveted role, reported “The Sun”. The news made waves internationally. Just a few weeks ago, the tabloid claimed that Oscar winner Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”) was the top favorite for the vacant agent job.
Insiders are certain: the speculations are fictitious. The decision about the seventh 007 – after Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig – has not yet been made:
What do the Bond producers say?
The company EON, which has produced a total of 25 James Bond films since 1962 (“James Bond – 007 chases Dr. No”), does not comment on speculation. However, producer Barbara Broccoli made a short and concise statement in February: “No,” she said on the sidelines of a gala in London when asked by scene expert Baz Bamigboye whether there was a new stand. “There’s nothing I can say about the next Bond film. There’s nothing. Nothing’s happening yet.” Still, the rumors didn’t stop.
Which actors are being discussed?
The list is almost endless. The most prominent names of recent years include Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Richard Madden, Taron Egerton, Barry Keoghan and Cillian Murphy. And Henry Cavill, who took part in the casting in the 2000s before Craig prevailed. There is hardly a popular actor who hasn’t been seen in the tabloids as a martini-drinking secret agent. In addition, the English bookmakers are keeping the rumors going with their bets on the seventh Bond actor. This has little to do with reality.
Which type are you looking for?
This largely depends on what style the films take. Broccoli announced that they would “reinvent” Bond. That’s not surprising. The humor of Roger Moore was followed by the serious Timothy Dalton. After the colorful films with Pierce Brosnan, things with Craig became rather dark. “A successful new James Bond is usually a reaction to its predecessor,” says Ajay Chowdhury, author of “Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films.” “A lighter, more classic Bond could be refreshing after the more dark and gloomy mood of recent adventures such as Casino Royale and Skyfall.”
When is a decision expected?
This is completely open. As a rule, a director is hired and a draft script is presented before casting takes place. The director is likely to have a say – and so is Amazon, which holds 50 percent of the Bond franchise after taking over MGM. EON has the last word with the two creators Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. If the process for “Bond 26” hasn’t started yet, as Broccoli says, then a decision can’t be expected until 2025 at the earliest.
Would Aaron Taylor-Johnson have a chance then?
In principle, the robust Brit fits the profile well. The producers reportedly want a younger, fresher actor whose face is not too well known and who could direct several 007 films. At 33, Taylor-Johnson is in his prime, in contrast to Cillian Murphy, who at 47 is probably too old. Taylor-Johnson is not yet a well-known star like Henry Cavill, but he could soon become one. He will soon be seen in the cinema alongside Ryan Gosling in “The Fall Guy” and as the title character in the comic adventure “Kraven The Hunter”. For many fans, Taylor-Johnson would be an excellent choice as Bond.
Why can’t it be a woman?
Because producer Broccoli has long since ruled out Bond changing gender. “I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m more in favor of creating roles for women rather than having men’s roles played by women.” Such a controversial step would also mean a big risk at the box office. “The Bond brand has been carefully established over 60 years and has become a commercial giant,” says Bond expert Chowdhury. Radical changes are therefore unlikely.
Could the new James Bond be played by a black actor?
“It should be British,” Broccoli said, “and any ethnicity can be British.” The last James Bond film to date subtly addressed this. At the beginning of No Time to Die, Craig’s Bond is retired. His famous agent number 007 has been taken over by a black agent (Lashana Lynch), with whom Bond later works. In addition to Idris Elba, who at 51 is probably too old for the role, “Bridgerton” star Regé-Jean Page was temporarily considered a James Bond candidate.
