Aaron Taylor-Johnson offers blunt response to James Bond casting rumours-Asyia Iftikhar-Entertainment – Metro

Aaron Taylor-Johnson artfully deflected yet another James Bond question (Picture: Getty)

Aaron Taylor-Johnson promptly shut down the eternal question on everyone’s lips – will he play the next James Bond?

The rumoured 007 actor, 34, was quizzed on the long-running theory during the New York premiere of his new Marvel comics action movie, Kraven The Hunter where he plays Spider-Man’s titular arch-nemesis.

He was accompanied by his wife, British filmmaker Sam Taylor Johnson, 57, and stepdaughters – Angelica, 27 and 18-year-old Jessie Phoenix – on the glamorous red carpet as he fielded press ahead of his starring turn in the Sony movie.

‘Another character everyone is dying to see you as is Bond. What do you make of that suggestion that fans have?’ Entertainment Tonight asked an amused-looking Aaron.

After a quick chuckle, Aaron replied: ‘I would say come see Kraven because that’s what’s out this weekend and it’s not going to disappoint. I promise you that, guys.’

It’s a typical response from the Kick-Ass star, who has been dodging this question ever since he became a favourite to take over the role from Daniel Craig.

He’s told fans to come watch his latest movie instead (Picture: AP)

Even as far back as August 2023, he told Esquire: ‘It’s not really for me to say anything.’

In March, the rumours that he had already booked the role reached a fever pitch. Although they were quickly shot down by a production insider who told the BBC there was ‘no truth’ in it.

Nevertheless, in the following months, Aaron has had to confront the question time and time again.

He firmly told Rolling Stone UK: ‘I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell.’

Weeks later he shared a terse reply to AP at the Fall Guy premiere when asked if he was ‘sick of getting asked about Bond’.

‘You sick of asking the question?’ he quipped back while laughing.

The star is not the only British actor in the mix to take over the coveted role which has been around for 60 years and has been portrayed by seven actors so far.

According to the bookies, Aaron is head-to-head with Masters of the Air star Callum Turner, Bridgerton actor Rege-Jean Page, Theo James and Leo Woodall – just to name a few.

He has had to answer this question a few times already (Picture: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock)

Daniel Craig was the last person to hold the esteemed role (Picture: Mgm/Columbia/Eon/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Bond execs, Barbara Broccoli and her brother Michael G. Wilson, have been purposefully vague on the matter but recently spoke a bit more about what exactly they are looking for.

‘It’s a big decision,’ Barbara said, confirming they are focusing their search on a man in his 30s.

Michael added: ‘Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction. Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.’

There’s still no confirmation on when any Bond updates will be announced as fans wait with bated breath to discover not only the lead star but the new director and plot direction.

Not only does Aaron fit the ideal casting bill but he also has plenty of support behind him.

‘He would be an amazing James Bond. I’ll just go on the record like, I’ve never gotten to do enough action with Aaron, which is crazy,’ director David Leitch enthused in April.

Stars like Leo Woodall are also in the mix (Picture: Getty)

His wife Sam once said: ‘Carry on speculating. He’d be great.’

Even former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan gave his seal of approval, saying: ‘I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so.’

One person who is not interested in the rumours, however, is the new star’s predecessor Daniel Craig who witheringly responded ‘I don’t care’ when asked who should play it next.

As for Aaron’s advice to go watch Kraven as it ‘won’t disappoint’ – it may have to be taken with a pinch of salt after the movie debuted with a poor 15% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Critics have called it a ‘tedious mess’ and a ‘very, very bad movie’.

Kraven The Hunter is out in cinemas on December 13.

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