British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is reportedly slated to be the next James Bond.
A source close to the matter said Taylor-Johnson has already been offered a contract, and it’s just a matter of time before he puts his pen to paper, officially making him the next take on the legendary role, The Sun reported Monday. “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it,” the source said, according to The Sun. He would be taking the top spot from Daniel Craig, who has maintained the role of the famous spy for the last 15 years. “The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back,” the source said.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson attends the Los Angeles premiere of Columbia Pictures’ “Bullet Train” at Regency Village Theatre on August 01, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
The insider said the “Bullet Train” actor is prepared to get the ball rolling on this new deal, which will set a series of next steps in motion.
“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,” the source said, according to The Sun.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson attends the ‘Bullet Train’ promotion event at Koyasan Tokyo Betsu-In Temple on August 22, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Christopher Jue/Getty Images
Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson visits ‘The IMDb Show’ LIVE on Twitch on December 4, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. This episode of ‘The IMDb Show’ aired on December 4, 2019. Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb
Those close to the situation confirmed that a script for the epic film is already being worked on, and said production will be scheduled to take place at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. This is a welcome update for Bond fans across the globe, that have been waiting patiently for plans to resume after experiencing delays due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes.
Taylor-Johnson was just one of the many big names considered for this role. “Oppenheimer” star Cillian Murphy was a big contender, as was Idris Elba. Henry Cavill and James Norton were also considered, according to The Sun.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson attends the ‘Bullet Train’ promotion event at Koyasan Tokyo Betsu-In Temple on August 22, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Christopher Jue/Getty Images
“I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment,” Taylor-Johnson said earlier in March, when asked how he felt about taking on the role, according to The Sun.
Actor Sean Connery onstage during the 35th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Al Pacino held at the Kodak Theatre on June 7, 2007 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI
British actor Pierce Brosnan, ‘James Bond’, poses for photographers during a photocall on Cannes beach 18 May 2002 during the 55th Cannes film festival. Photo credit OLIVIER LABAN-MATTEI/AFP via Getty Images
Daniel Craig poses as James Bond. Craig was unveiled as legendary British secret agent James Bond 007 in the 21st Bond film Casino RoyalePhoto by Greg Williams/Eon Productions via Getty Images
Sean Connery was the first to play James Bond in 1962. The legendary role has since been filled by David Niven in 1967, George Lazenby in 1969, and Roger Moore from 1973-1985. Timothy Dalton was Bond for two years from 19897-1989, and Pierce Brosnan lent his charm to the epic character when he took over from 1995-2002. Daniel Craig has held the position from 2006-2021. (RELATED: ‘People May Sh*t On Me For It’: Former ‘Bond Girl’ Reveals Her Opinion On A Female James Bond)