Summary
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been formally offered the role of James Bond, proving his action star abilities.
- His roles in films like
Bullet Train
and
Kick-Ass
showcase his potential to carry major action franchises. - Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s upcoming role as Kraven the Hunter may revitalize Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.
The moment the credits rolled on Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond in 2021’s No Time to Die, fans were immediately desperate to know which actor would be next to take up the mantel. Like many British heroes, the role of James Bond has been passed down from actor to actor since the character’s debut in 1958’s Dr. No.
The internet has been ablaze with rumors and speculation surrounding the likely candidates to play Bond. Idris Elba and Henry Cavill were among the favorites for years. The ever-changing list also saw British stars like Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, Dev Patel, Henry Golding, and Tom Hopper come in and out of contention. However, it appears Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have found their new star. While he hasn’t confirmed the role yet, it was recently reported that the Kick-Ass and Bullet Train star, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, has been formally offered the role. The actor is a solid choice to play Bond, and his accomplished filmography proves he would be perfect for the role.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is Already an Action Star
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s most recent cinematic outing was as Tangerine in David Leitch’s hilarious Bullet Train. Alongside Brian Tyree Henry’s Lemon, the pair carried much of the film’s humor as the British hitman duo. Bullet Train is enough proof for many Bond fans that Aaron Taylor-Johnson would make a brilliant 007. Aside from the stylish suit Tangerine wears, his character oozes British suave, a trait that is the pinnacle of Bond — even if this is brought down a peg by Tangerine’s cockney-London swearing. However, the on-screen similarities between Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s roles and James Bond go far beyond Bullet Train.
Following various small appearances on British TV shows, like Channel 4’s Coming Up, Aaron Taylor-Johnson got his big break in the leading role of Matthew Vaughn’s genre-altering Kick-Ass. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Kick-Ass is a ‘realistic’ take on superheroes. After deciding to become a superhero, despite having no powers or training, Dave Lizewski (Taylor-Johnson) quickly learns that the pages of comic books are a far cry from the reality of violence. While Kick-Ass is far from the cool and composed character we know James Bond to be, this role kick-started Taylor-Johnson’s action career, and led him to larger roles which would prove his worthiness as a 007 candidate.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Breaks Silence on James Bond Casting Rumor
After this week’s suggestion that Taylor-Johnson had the offer of Bond on the table to sign, the actor has given a candid response to the rumors.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s foray into the action genre was then continued with Kick-Ass 2. This return to the role of Dave Lizewski offered Aaron Taylor-Johnson an opportunity to become more involved in the action sequences that would truly establish the British actor as an action star. Following Kick-Ass 2, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s career in the action genre grew rapidly. Taylor-Johnson had a starring role in 2014’s Godzilla. Despite mixed reviews, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s performance was heavily praised.
The 2020s have truly cemented Aaron Taylor-Johnson as an action star. Taylor-Johnson started the new decade with a small, but scene-stealing performance in Christopher Nolan’s underappreciated Tenet. At that point, Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been a prominent figure in the action genre for nearly a decade. However, Tenet was the first chance Aaron Taylor-Johnson had to bring his natural English accent to the screen in a major blockbuster, having spent years portraying American heroes.
If the above films haven’t already proved that Aaron Taylor-Johnson can handle himself in major action blockbusters, his next movie is likely to set that straight. Marking the second consecutive time Aaron Taylor-Johnson has partnered with director David Leitch, the British actor is set to star in The Fall Guy, alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Loosely inspired by the 80s show of the same name, The Fall Guy is a love letter to Hollywood stuntpeople. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Tom Ryder, a Hollywood mega-star who is kidnapped during production on a movie. With the film’s future at stake, Ryan Gosling’s Colt Seavers, an expendable stuntperson, is forced to go on a dangerous mission to bring him back and save the shoot. The Fall Guy debuted at SXSW Festival to strong reviews, and currently sits at 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Aaron Taylor Johnson Can Carry a Major Franchise
To star as James Bond is to carry the weight of one of Hollywood’s longest running franchises on your shoulders. Thankfully, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has done this before, and an upcoming movie gives him the opportunity to prove it again.
The Kick-Ass franchise is beloved as a cult-classic among superhero fans. While it’s sequel, Kick-Ass 2, definitely shows a decline in quality from its predecessor, it is still a successful franchise in a genre that is largely monopolized by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Speaking of the MCU, Aaron Taylor-Johnson used his role in Kick-Ass to leverage a larger superhero role in the most successful superhero franchise of all time. Perhaps his most famous role, Aaron Taylor-Johnson played Marvel Comics’ most iconic speedster, Quicksilver, in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Despite the character meeting an untimely end, Taylor-Johnson’s Quicksilver was a highlight of the film, and fans are still desperate to see him return in the future.
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This coming year also gives Aaron Taylor-Johnson another chance to support an entire franchise. Following the lambasting of Sony’s Madame Web, it is up to Kraven the Hunter, which stars Taylor-Johnson in the titular role, to revitalize Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Aside from 2018’s Venom, the franchise has been beholden to flop after flop, with Morbius and Madame Web being ridiculed by critics and audiences. Despite expectations being low, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has the star-power and action experience to deliver an incredible performance as the iconic Spider-Man villain. If Kraven the Hunter were to succeed, it would be the new foundation off of which Sony’s Spider-Man Universe can repair itself.
While Aaron Taylor-Johnson is yet to accept or comment on being offered the role of James Bond, the internet seems to be in unanimous agreement that the British actor would nail the role. No details have been released about the 26th movie in the 007 franchise. It is expected that new details will be teased once a new starring actor has been confirmed.
Kraven the Hunter is currently slated for release on August 30, 2024. You can check out Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Kraven the Hunter via the trailer below:
