Aaron Taylor-Johnson has intensified speculation that he could be the next James Bond after delivering a cryptic response when questioned about his upcoming projects at Wednesday's 28 Years Later premiere in London.
The 35-year-old actor, who has been heavily rumoured as Daniel Craig's 007 successor, was asked by US publication Deadline what he'd be doing "next" in his career.
In video footage from the red carpet, Taylor-Johnson can be seen looking at the reporter who delivered the question while a publicist urgently tries to shepherd him away.
However, rather than turning his back on the question completely, the Kick-Ass star told the reporter: "I can't talk about it."
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has long been tipped to take on the 007 role GETTYThe mysterious five-word answer has sent Bond fans into overdrive, with many interpreting his refusal to discuss future work as confirmation he has landed the coveted role.
On X, fans flocked to the comments section of Deadline's post, with one stating: "It has two 0 and a 7..."
"Yeah, he is definitely Bond," a second assuredly said. "He became an Omega ambassador a couple of weeks ago and Daniel Craig also became one before he was Bond."
"That's a sign... 007. Or it's nothing," a third weighed in before a fourth simply put: "He would make a brilliant James Bond."
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Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has fuelled speculation of a Bond stint
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Elsewhere, a fifth tipped: "I reckon they’ll announce him as the next Bond at the same time they drop the date for the next movie. Willing to bet they’ve already wrapped up filming. Just look at how quiet his filmography is going forward."
And a sixth concurred: "He will be Bond, Nolan will direct (who likes using the same actors) it will be set as a period piece movie of when it was written (hence killing off the old Bond) will get rid of digital technologies that are a narrative nightmare and replace with old mechanical gadgets. Due to the period setting it will not be ‘made for modern audiences’ - it’s going to be f***ing glorious." (sic)
Taylor-Johnson's coy response comes amid mounting evidence linking him to the franchise, including his recent appointment as a global ambassador for Omega, the official watch brand of James Bond since Pierce Brosnan's GoldenEye in 1995.
According to witnesses at the premiere, the Bullet Train star flashed a smile after delivering his cryptic answer, adding to the intrigue surrounding his response.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson made the comments at the 28 Years Later premiere
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The actor's handlers quickly whisked him away before any follow-up questions could be asked, leaving journalists and fans to speculate about the meaning behind his words.
The incident has gone viral on social media, with fans convinced his inability to discuss future projects points to the notoriously secretive 007 franchise.
The evidence linking Taylor-Johnson to Bond extends beyond his recent Omega deal. Last month, the Swiss watchmaker announced him as their newest global ambassador, with the actor visiting their headquarters in Biel for an exclusive tour of their watchmaking facilities.
"I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for Omega," Taylor-Johnson said at the time. "Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product."
Daniel Craig announced his exit in 2019 PAOmega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann praised the actor as "versatile" with "a range that covers action, thriller, romance, and much more" - qualities that align perfectly with the demands of playing 007.
The timing of the partnership has raised eyebrows, given Omega's three-decade relationship with the Bond franchise.
Taylor-Johnson has consistently dodged Bond questions throughout his career. In March 2024, he told Rolling Stone UK: "I can only really talk about the things I'm going to show and tell."
The franchise's future has been in flux since Amazon MGM took control from producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson earlier this year, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman now attached to produce the next film.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson made the remarks to US publication, Deadline
DEADLINE/X
Brosnan recently weighed in on what qualities the next Bond requires. "Good voice, good body, courage. Great courage," the former 007 told MovieWeb. "And a sense of humour, a passion for hard work and danger."
Industry figures, including Michael Fassbender, have previously suggested Taylor-Johnson would fit the role perfectly.
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