Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumoured to be the frontrunner for new James Bond

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly impressed producers with his secret audition for James Bond, but can he beat out favourites like Idris Elba and Tom Hardy to become the new 007? 

We’re still a long way from seeing a new James Bond film in cinemas. Producer Barbara Broccoli has previously said a new James Bond film would be at least two years away from production. 

She also said earlier this year that no one actor was in the running to become the new 007 and that they wanted to completely reinvent the character. 

It now seems we have a frontrunner for the role. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, last seen playing a thug against Brad Pitt in Bullet Train, has reportedly secretly auditioned for the role and left a strong impression on Broccoli. 

Daniel Craig has played James Bond in five films. Credit: MGM

A source has told The Sun: “Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the frontrunners.”

We can’t say we’re surprised. Taylor-Johnson’s character in Bullet Train did have that trademark Bond-ish suave streak to him, and the film also included some pretty high octane action sequences, not unlike those seen in previous Bond films. 

One of the fan favourites to take on the role has always been Idris Elba, but in September, Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson told Variety Elba might not be right for the role. 

“The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off,” Broccoli said. “And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. So he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].”

Aaron Taylor-Johnson played Tangerine in Bullet Train. Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

For reference, Craig was in his 30s when he accepted the physically demanding role he played from 2006’s Casino Royale to 2021’s No Time To Die in which we said goodbye to his iteration of 007. 

Elba, who will star in the upcoming Luther film adaptation, turned 50 this year, so the physical demands of the role might prove too much for the actor. 

Tom Hardy is another name that keeps popping up in the conversations as well as Regé-Jean Page. Paul Mescal, who can currently be seen in the superb Aftersun, is another popular actor fans are hoping will take the mantle of the famed spy.