The new James Bond star is set to finally be announced in the “coming days” after a British actor was reportedly offered the role.
Rumours have been rife ever since Daniel Craig stood down from playing 007 in 2021 after his fifth Bond movie, No Time To Die. Edris Elba was the early frontrunner to take over, whilst Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy’s name had been widely-tipped following the success of Oppenheimer last year.
However, it appears Eon Productions has finally got its man – Aaron Taylor Johnson. The 33-year is best known for his title role in Kick-Ass and his portrayal of Pietro Maximoff in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.
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The latest Bond film is set to commence filming later this year at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, with confirmation expected once Johnson puts pen to paper.
(Image: Getty Images)
It comes after Hollywood’s Writers Guild of America strike finally came to an end in November after 148 days. A source told The Sun of the news: “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.” Bookmakers have since made the actor the favourite for the role, meanwhile.
(Image: WireImage)
Asked about the possibility of taking on the job last week, Johnson blushed: “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.” The star’s performance in 2016 thriller Nocturnal Animals – which saw nominated for a Golden Globe – was reportedly enough to convince bosses he was right for the job.
The source added to the same publication: “Aaron may not be the best known in his field but he is an incredibly talented actor. His role in Nocturnal Animals showed his depth as an actor. He is the perfect person to play Bond and will pick up well from where Daniel left off.”
Away from the screen, Johnson married filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood in 2012 who is 24 years his senior. The pair met on the set of John Lennon film, Nowhere Boy, which she directed aged 42, and saw him cast in the lead role at just 18.
Discussing their relationship, previously Aaron said: “I think we’re really great at collaborating but that’s not why I fell in love with her. I’ve got really nothing to hide and I’m secure in what we have.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
