James Bond fans are eagerly waiting to see who will be announced as the new 007 star, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson being the stand-out favourite – but has he been pipped to the post?
Johnson has received public support from many James Bond fans, as well as former 007 star George Lazenby.
After rumours of his potential signing began, Johnson said back in February: “It’s flattering. You can have something really positive [written about you].
“But you can also have something really negative that can circulate. You just want to stay in your lane.”
Now just two months on from his comments and the rumours, it still looks uncertain as to who will be the next Bond star.
Fan favourite Henry Cavill has since reaffirmed his ambitions to take on the role of the spy during a recent interview on The Rich Eisen Show.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the frontrunner
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He was inevitably asked about starring in the legendary franchise and set tongues wagging with his hopeful comments.
“I have no idea. All I have to go off of is the rumours. I have the same information you have. Maybe I’m too old now or maybe I’m not. We’ll see what the [producers] plans are.”
It remains to be see when Bond will return to the big screens, but last year, Bond writer Barbara Broccoli claimed there was a “big road ahead” before a new movie arrived.
She explained: “I go back to [1995’s] GoldenEyewhen everyone was saying ‘the cold war is over, the wall is over.
The next Bond star has big boots to fill after Daniel Craig
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“Bond is dead, no need for Bond, the whole world’s at peace, and now there’s no villains’ – and boy, was that wrong.
“Daniel gave us the ability to mine the emotional life of the character … and also the world was ready for it.
“I think these movies reflect the time they are in, and there’s a big, big road ahead reinventing it for the next chapter and we haven’t even begun with that.”
A source close to Barbara Broccoli and co is reported to have 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.
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Henry Cavill back in the running for James Bond
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"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."
Taylor-Johnson recently opened up about whether he would accept the offer of Bond if he was approached last week.
He said: “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”