A British actor has been formally offered the role of James Bond and is expected to sign the contract this week, it has been claimed.
Daniel Craig played James Bond for 15 years over five films (Picture: Mgm/Columbia/Eon/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
Speculation over who could take on 007 has been non-stop since Daniel Craig announced his departure from the franchise, with the likes of Idris Elba and Happy Valley’s James Norton among those hotly tipped for the role.
However, the search is now apparently over, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who had previously been evasive about becoming the next James Bond, reportedly impressing producers.
It has been claimed that the Kick Ass actor, 33, has been officially selected as the next 007 by Eon Productions, the company behind the films, and will accept the prestigious job in the ‘coming days.’
Once the contract is signed, the next instalment of the spy movie will begin shooting later this year, according to a source.
They told The Sun: ‘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.
Aaron has reportedly been offered the role of 007 of producers (Picture: WireImage)
He’s appeared in several action films from Kick Ass to Tenet (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
Aaron is married to film director Sam, who is more than 20 years his senior(Picture: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
‘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.’
In August, Aaron was asked about whether he had been approached for Bond and gave a cryptic answer, telling Esquire: ‘I just focus on the things I can have in my hands right now.
‘What’s in front of me right now.’
His comments came after it was claimed he impressed in a secret audition for producer Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood Studios in 2022.
Speculation had been mounting over who could replace Daniel (Picture: Mgm/Columbia/Eon/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
Aaron will be joining the likes of Sean as one of the few actors to play Bond (Picture: Danjaq/Eon/Ua/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Daniel had taken over the role of Bond from Piers (Picture: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)
According to The Sun, bosses were so enthralled by his performance he had already shot the iconic gun barrel scene.
‘Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalogue of action films,’ a source told the publication.
Aaron is married to 57-year-old Fifty Shades of Grey director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, whom he met on the set of Nowhere Boy.
In 2022, the couple celebrated 10 years of marriage and marked the occasion by reaffirming their love for one another in the form of renewing their wedding vows.
Idris has reportedly been in the running for 007 but later ruled himself out (Picture: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shut)
Happy Valley’s James was another hotly-tipped actor for the role (Picture: Getty)
They also share children Wylda Rae, 13, and Romy Hero, 12, together.
Aaron is also stepfather to Angelica, 26, and 18-year-old Jessie, from Sam’s previous marriage to Jay Jopling.
Aaron is best known for making his debut back in 2008 comedy Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, before charming critics once more in 2009’s Nowhere Boy as a take on John Lennon.
He has since added an impressive list of films to his resumé including Kick-Ass, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Outlaw King, Tenet and Bullet Train.