The chances of Aaron Taylor-Johnson obtaining the James Bond role in 007 may diminish

Reports had suggested that the 33-year-old British actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, was on the verge of becoming the new 007, with speculation even arising about his potential Bond girl. This anticipation followed Daniel Craig’s announcement that he would retire his license to kill after “No Time to Die,” his fifth Bond film released in 2021. However, despite the imminent-sounding news regarding Taylor-Johnson, another contender has recently emerged, reopening the race for the iconic role.

Odds on Taron Egerton assuming the mantle of James Bond have reportedly decreased in recent weeks, leading to speculation about him potentially becoming Britain’s next secret weapon. Although Egerton had previously dismissed himself from contention as recently as last April, experts have noted a shift, with his odds now standing at 11/4. While Taylor-Johnson remains the frontrunner, Egerton’s sudden surge has not gone unnoticed.

Egerton gained prominence in 2015 with his portrayal of Gareth ‘Eggsy’ Unwin in “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” a role he reprised in 2017’s “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” His performance in the lead role of the Elton John biopic “Rocketman” in 2019 further solidified his status in the industry, earning critical acclaim and accolades.

On the other hand, Taylor-Johnson, known for his roles in superhero movies like “Kick-Ass” and “The Avengers,” also joined the Kingsman franchise with “The King’s Man” in 2021. His performance earned him nominations for prestigious awards such as the Bafta, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors’ Guild awards.

Despite the speculation, there has been no official confirmation regarding who will portray James Bond in future films, nor has there been any announcement regarding the next installment’s release date. As of 2024, the longest gap between two Bond films stands at four years, with “Die Another Day” in 2002 preceding Craig’s debut in “Casino Royale.” Similarly, there was a four-year gap between “Quantum of Solace” in 2008 and “Skyfall” in 2012, the latter of which grossed over $1 billion worldwide.