James Bond fans were delighted to finally hear an update on the next leading man of the franchise when it was reported Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been formally offered the role.
Now the apparent casting of the Kick-Ass actor, 33, has been backed by George Lazenby, who portrayed the classic character in the 1960s.
Lazenby portrayed Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and has commented on Taylor-Johnson’s potential casting.
According to TMZ, the 84-year-old predicted the actor would be able to “handle the stunts and all the ladies who love a man in a tux.”
Talking about why the Marvel star, Lazenby said he supported the decision “as long as they do the character justice,” and went on to advise the actor “to be true to himself and reinvent the role to fit him.”
The most recent Bond was Daniel Craig, who debuted his version of the iconic spy in 2006’s Casino Royale.
Lazenby starred as Bond in the 1960s
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He went on to star in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die.
Insiders said that Taylor-Johnson is expected to accept the position after being officially offered the role last week.
According to The Sun, a source said: “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.”
Lazenby as Bond in the 1960s
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Talk around the next Bond movie has frustrated fans thanks to a string of delays, most recently because of last year’s Hollywood strikes.
Meanwhile, fans have been divided as they shared their thoughts on the latest update on the franchise.
While some argued he doesn’t look like the “right” Bond, others were excited by the news.
Others have called for Henry Cavill to be the one to bag the role instead, with several arguing the Superman star was the perfect man for the job.
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Taylor-Johnson is reportedly expected to accept the role of the next Bond
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After it had hit headlines that Taylor-Johnson was “offered” the role, fans of Cavill – who has also starred in Man of Steel, Justice League, and Mission Impossible: Fallout – were furious about him being “snubbed” from the gig.
There is yet to be an official announcement as to who will be cast for the role, with the next film debuting the eighth edition of the character.