Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the current frontrunner to take on the role of James Bond, but that could change depending on how well Kraven the Hunter does at the box office this month. Picking the next Bond is arguably the toughest recasting process that Eon has faced yet. Whereas every previous 007 actor has picked up where their predecessor left off, Daniel Craig’s Bond story came to a definitive end with the character’s first canonical on-screen death. That means that Bond 26 will be a true fresh start — and Craig, unlike most Bond actors, went out on a high note.
There have been a lot of contenders to be the next Bond actor in Craig’s absence. Theo James and Jack Lowden are both in the running. The success of Bridgerton made Regé-Jean Page a popular candidate. Paul Mescal has climbed the betting odds since Gladiator II hit theaters and proved he has serious action chops. Taylor-Johnson currently has the best chances of landing the role, but that could change this month with the release of his Marvel vehicle, Kraven the Hunter. If that movie doesn’t do well, it could hurt Eon’s faith in the actor.
Why Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is The Next James Bond Frontrunner
Taylor-Johnson Has Proven He Has The Charisma To Pull It Off
Early on in the search for the next 007 actor, names like Henry Cavill (the previous runner-up) and Idris Elba had been floated around. But in the past few years, Taylor-Johnson has become the popular choice. The British gambling company Ladbrokes has named Taylor-Johnson as the most likely candidate for the job in their betting odds for the next Bond actor. Taylor-Johnson is at the top of the list with 1/1 (50%) odds; these odds are much higher than some of the other contenders, like Mescal with 2/1 (33.3%), James with 7/2 (22.2%), and Lowden with 9/1 (10%).
The most obvious reason for Taylor-Johnson’s candidacy is that he’s fit for the part.
The most obvious reason for Taylor-Johnson’s candidacy is that he’s fit for the part. He’s suave and charismatic. He’s nailed action-oriented roles, but also proven he has both comic wit and nuanced dramatic chops. Whatever Bond 26 requires of its new star — whether they go for more gritty realism like the Craig era or go back to the wacky self-awareness of the Roger Moore years — Taylor-Johnson would be able to pull it off. Taylor-Johnson’s cold-blooded, dry-witted British assassin Tangerine in Bullet Train was Bond in all but name, and he was great in that role.
How Kraven The Hunter Could Impact Aaron Taylor-Johnson Being James Bond
It’ll Show How Capable He Is (Or Isn’t) Of Leading A Major Franchise Action Movie
Taylor-Johnson’s next movie — Kraven the Hunter, another Spider-Man villain spin-off from Sony — is set to be released in theaters on December 13. How this movie performs, both critically and commercially, could affect whether he lands the role of 007. There are a few key factors to consider. In terms of quality, it’ll further show how capable Taylor-Johnson is (or isn’t) of leading a major franchise action movie. If it flops, it can’t be blamed on Taylor-Johnson (the Sony Spider-Man Universe isn’t the strongest brand right now), but it won’t be great news for the actor’s Bond prospects.
Kraven the Hunter
is directed by
Triple Frontier
‘s J. C. Chandor.
If Kraven the Hunter does well, in spite of Sony’s lack of a solid marketing campaign, then it’ll look a lot better for Taylor-Johnson. These won’t be the only factors in the Bond casting decision, of course, and no one movie will make or break it, but it could give his chances a huge boost if it’s a success, or dent them if it’s a disaster. The flip side is that, if it’s a big success, it’ll get sequels, which could make it trickier to take on another franchise, but certainly not impossible (he surely wouldn’t say no to Bond!).
Will 2025 Finally Be The Year The New James Bond Is Announced?
It’s About Time Eon Announced The New Actor
It seems unlikely that Eon will make an announcement about the next Bond actor by the end of 2024, but surely they’ll name Craig’s replacement in 2025. Craig was announced as Pierce Brosnan’s replacement about three years after Brosnan’s final film, Die Another Day, and it’s already been over three years since No Time to Die. Eon knew Craig was stepping down from the role long before they made No Time to Die. Craig initially considered quitting the franchise after Spectre, but ended up returning for one last ride.
Related
James Bond 26’s Casting Conditions Show Just How Hard Finding The Next 007 Actor Really Is
The James Bond producers have finally provided fans with clear conditions for the next 007, but they prove that a new Bond will not be easy to find.
So, the producers have had a long time to discuss Craig’s replacement. What makes it so tricky to cast a new Bond actor is that they have to fit in with the tone of the reboot. Eon has to figure out the direction it wants to take with the next chapter of the Bond series before picking an actor who’s suitable for that direction. Eon has kept fans waiting a long time. If the new James Bond isn’t announced at some point in 2025, it’ll be very surprising.
James Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
- Upcoming Films
- James Bond 26
