The thrilling hunt for the subsequent James Bond could also be drawing to an finish quickly.
Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson appears to have emerged as a frontrunner for the 007 function beforehand occupied by Daniel Craig, reviews the New York Post.
The 32-year-old Avengers: Age Of Ultron actor has reportedly met with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli – and even had a secret audition final yr, in response to the Daily Mail.
A supply advised Puck News through the Daily Mail that whereas the display screen check went “very well,” nothing has been formally confirmed.
The Post has contacted reps for Broccoli and Taylor-Johnson for remark.
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The 32-year-old British actor, finest recognized for his lead function in 2010’s superhero spoof Kick-Ass, reportedly just lately shot scenes because the spy, together with the franchise’s iconic gun barrel sequence.
“Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September, and producers and Barbara loved him,” a supply advised The Sun in November.
“He is now one of the frontrunners,” the supply added. “Aaron has impressed bosses so much that he has filmed one of the franchise’s famous gun barrel teaser scenes, something all the actors do.
“That move takes him a step closer to signing a deal,” the insider famous. “Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalogue of action films.”
The Bond battle follows Craig’s final flip because the suave spy in 2021’s No Time To Die. The Knives Out actor, 54, has performed the MI6 agent since 2006’s Casino Royale.
Other A-listers rumoured to be within the combine embody Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Richard Madden and Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page.
In January 2022, Broccoli and fellow Bond producer Michael G. Wilson appeared on Deadline’s “Crew Call” podcast and mulled over the thought of casting Elba.
“Well, we know Idris – I’m friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor,” Broccoli mentioned.
“You know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat,” she mentioned.
“I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has kind of had its run, and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to – reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about or talk about anybody else, actors to play the role or storylines or anything. We just wanna live in the moment, the present.”
This article initially appeared within the New York Post and was reproduced with permission