A popular actor has reportedly already been offered the role of being the next James Bond - taking over from Daniel Craig.
None other than Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is said to have been the favourite choice for movie bosses after thousands of avid fans of the 007 franchise had put their money on Idris Elba taking over the iconic role from Craig, who last starred as the iconic spy in 2021's No Time To Die.
Elsewhere, Cillian Murphy insisted last week that he's 'too old' to play the role, shooting down feverish excitement surrounding the Oscar-winning star becoming the next 007. The Irish actor, 47, was reportedly top of film bosses lists after his incredible portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's masterpiece, Oppenheimer.
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Peaky Blinders actor Cillian impressed bosses so much after his BAFTA-winning performance that they are said to be desperate for him to take on the legendary role which was previously filled by fellow Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, as well as Sean Connery, and Roger Moore. However, it seems that Aaron, 33, has beaten both Cillian and Idris to the poll.
Eon Productions, which makes the spy thriller movie, is set to start shooting the latest offering from the franchise this year, and Aaron is reportedly on-board for what will be the biggest role of his career. “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," an insider told The Sun.
The long-awaited and hotly-anticipated next Bond movie had been delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. However, insiders told the publication that a script was now being worked on, with production scheduled to take place at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire 'as soon as possible'.
Last week, Aaron broke his silence on whether or not he would be willing to step into Bond’s shoes. The actor said he finds it flattering that fans of 007 would consider him to be the perfect fit to play the next Bond. “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment," he said.
It comes after a new survey revealed that nearly a fifth of James Bond fans (17%) would like to see Idris Elba as the next actor to step into the iconic 007 role. The “Luther” star topped the list of favourites to continue the film franchise – ahead of Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, and Happy Valley star, James Norton. Other popular choices on the top 20 list included Tom Hiddleston, Tom Holland and Jamie Dornan.
Seven in 10 (72%) agreed that an English actor ought to take on the role – while Christopher Nolan was picked as favourite to direct the next Bond film. The research was commissioned by Lottoland.co.uk, on behalf of its Casino division. A spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk said: “James Bond is a topic that certainly gets the nation talking. There are some really interesting names to make it into the top 20 list, but it’s not a shock to see Idris Elba taking the top spot with his sleek and cool demeanor. Let’s hope the casting agents see this.”
The research also saw Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, and Roger Moore named among the best Bonds so far. However, 86% think that no matter who the producers pick to play the character next, someone will complain about it.
And 46% of fans admitted that if the next actor cast to play the spy isn't someone they like, they'll consider not watching the future films at all.
TOP 20 ACTORS BRITS WANT TO BE THE NEXT JAMES BOND:
- Idris Elba
- Tom Hardy
- Henry Cavill
- James Norton
- Cillian Murphy
- Tom Hiddleston
- Tom Holland
- Jamie Dornan
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Richard Madden
- Rege Jean Page
- Luke Evans
- Leo Woodall
- Emilia Clarke
- Emily Blunt
- Helen Mirren
- Barry Keoghan
- Theo James
- Lupita Nyong'o
- Sam Heughan
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