Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been odds-on to be cast as the next James Bond for well over a year now.
The speculation began following reports of secret auditions that impressed 007 producer Barbara Broccoli and most recently another article claimed he’s set to sign on imminently.
The 33-year-old Kraven the Hunter stay hasn’t exactly denied the rumours in recent interviews, playing it all very coy.
Following bookies’ bet suspensions on his alleged casting, an exciting new insider report has been released regarding Aaron’s rumoured casting, alongside plans for Bond 26 including the director and Bond girls.
According to Daily Mail, Broccoli isn’t considering anyone else for Daniel Craig’s replacement other than Aaron, whose agents and lawyers are finalising the deal, which is set to include three Bond movies with the option of a fourth.
An insider said: “They have done all the fittings, they have the haircut they have in mind for him, and he’s already in tremendous shape. Barbara Broccoli and the rest of the producers are going to make a huge deal out of the announcement… There is a set plan, and Aaron has had endless discussions. They don’t want anybody else.”
According to the source, a big new Bond announcement is planned with the four surviving 007 stars set to attend from George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton to Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. It’s also reported that filming on Bond 26 will commence next year for cinematic release in 2026.
As for the genre, Daily Mail claims Aaron’s era will be more along the tone of Brosnan’s films, embracing a bit of fantasy and not being as real world as Craig’s movies. Additionally, Broccoli reportedly wants a return to “larger-than-life” Bond villains, perhaps even rebooting the likes of Jaws and Oddjob.
As for Bond 26’s director, the producer is supposedly “very eager” on Dune’s Denis Villeneuve. The insider said: “That is her dream scenario, but since he is very busy, it might be difficult to lock him down. He is the number one option.” As for Bond girls, apparently both Sydney Sweeney and Zendaya are “in the mix” too.