- Aaron Taylor-Johnson is one of the most popular names in the running to be the next James Bond
- But after his latest movie bombed at the box office, producers are reportedly wondering if the actor has what it takes to play 007
- However, a past Bond – and a Bond villain! – have both endorsed Taylor-Johnson as their pick to play the MI6 agent
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has long been rumored to be taking over the role of 007 in the next James Bond movie.
Back in March 2023, it seemed to be all but confirmed that the actor, 34, was set to take on the role of the MI6 secret agent.
But after nothing was officially announced, sources are now saying that bosses are worried that Taylor-Johnson doesn’t have the “credentials” to take on Bond – as his latest movie proved to be a bit of a flop.
Taking on the lead role in Kraven the Hunter, the movie has had a disastrous run since its release on December 13.
Latest figures show that the film only banked $60 million globally, despite costing around $107 million to produce.
On its first weekend in the US, it played in over 3200 theaters – but earned just $11 million. Similarly, the movie only managed to make $15 million internationally across 60 markets.
Now, it could be that producers aren’t keen to sign Taylor-Johnson to the legendary Bond role, as they search for their replacement for Daniel Craig, who stepped down as 007 in 2021.
“Kraven has been a real disaster for Sony and a really tough break for Aaron,” a source revealed. “It is not that he was bad in the film or had no screen presence, but the script just didn’t appeal to fans.
“The bigger question is how this impacts how producers in town, and especially Bond executives, view him.”
Bosses wonder if Aaron Taylor-Johnson can cut it as Bond
The source added that bosses will be wondering if Taylor-Johnson is as popular as they’d previously hoped.
“It was his big lead role,” they went on. “With well-known A-listers there is a sense that not every film is a win, but when it’s someone of Aaron’s stature questions are asked.
“People will ask whether Aaron has that mainstream appeal or if this was just a blip.
“And if those questions are being raised by studios in Hollywood, the same concerns will no doubt be held at MGM Amazon who are overseeing the new Bond film with Eon.”
However, Kraven the Hunter may have stood Taylor-Johnson in good stead – as the actor, who has also starred in action movies such as Bullet Train and The Fall Guy, got to show off the physical demands of the role.
“There are pluses for Aaron,” the insider added. “Aaron showed with Kraven he could adopt the physicality of Bond and lead a media promotional campaign. All these factors matter when becoming Bond.
“However the casting decision is not 100 percent locked in and there are still actors being looked at to take on the most iconic role in British cinema.”
Pierce Brosnan backs Aaron Taylor-Johnson
While it’s the opinion of the producers that really counts, it seems that Taylor-Johnson has the backing of a couple of former Bonds.
Pierce Brosnan, 71 – who played the 007 in GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day – said he believes the younger star has the “chops” to take on the part.
The pair previously worked together on the 2009 film The Greatest, in which they played father and son.
“I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow,” he said last year. “I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so.”
And it’s not just the goodies who have had their say – as former Bond villain Jonathan Pryce also seemed to think Taylor-Johnson had what it takes.
The actor, 77, who starred opposite Brosnan in Tomorrow Never Dies, previously said, “He’s grown into a wonderful actor and when he was a little younger, he did this extraordinary sort of action film where he played a superhero.
“And he’s great, look at him now, he’s black tie, handsome and yeah, he’d be a great Bond.”
