Was Aaron Taylor-Johnson Offered The Role Of James Bond?

Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Bullet Train

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been in the running for James Bond for a long time. The British actor was among the alleged top contenders for the role after the exit of Daniel Craig, who played the role for fifteen years, starting with Casino Royale. Apart from Taylor-Johnson, other contenders for the role included Henry Cavill and Idris Elba.

Earlier this week, the British news outlet The Sun reported that the Bullet Train star was offered the role of James Bond and that it was up to the star to take up the offer. The report included a statement by the unnamed source who mentioned that a formal offer was on the table and that Eon Productions was convinced that the actor would take it up.

A still from Tenet

The outlet mentioned that a script was also in the works as the film was delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes,

“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. 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.”

This makes the star the seventh actor to portray the role after legends such as Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. The last film with James Bond was the 2021 Cary Joji Fukunaga directorial No Time To Die.

Henry Cavill’s James Bond Campaign Back On Track After Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Casting Was Debunked

Henry Cavill in The Man From U.N.C.L.E

Soon after The Sun reported that Aaron Taylor-Johnson was offered the role of James Bond, the news was debunked as he did not confirm the news in his recent Rolling Stone interview. When asked if he would be playing the role, the Kick-Ass star reportedly kept mum and dodged the question. He then mentioned,

“I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell. So, The Fall Guy, Nosferatu, Kraven the Hunter. I’m here to promote those.”

This has prompted fans to resume their campaign to get Eon Productions to cast Henry Cavill as James Bond. The Man of Steel star had previously been a top contender for the role when casting was underway for Casino Royale, but the actor lost out to Daniel Craig (via Channel 5).

The actor has been a fan favorite for the role, especially after playing spies in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and this year’s Argylle. Fans seem to be elated at the prospect of the actor still being in the running and have bashed The Sun for spreading lies.

Though Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s casting has not been confirmed, it is not unconfirmed either as the actor’s silence and refusal to give a committed answer may indicate that he might have been considered for the role. However, no confirmation still means that the ‘Henry Cavill for James Bond’ campaign has momentum.