Reports are linking Aaron Taylor-Johnson to the The King's Man.
2021's The King's Man was the third entry in the series but served as a prequel detailing the origins of the spy organization. Taylor-Johnson played a small role as Archie Reid, who becomes the first "Lancelot" of the group. This teased a much larger role for the actor in a proposed sequel, though the movie's lukewarm reception puts that in doubt. The Kingsmen films themselves are a throwback to the Roger Moore Bond movies, so if Taylor-Johnson does land the 007 role, that would be a much better payoff for the actor than fronting The Kingsman 2.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Fits The Bond Franchises Criteria
Franchise co-producer Michael G. Wilson stated in a 2022 chat with the BFI that the next Bond will probably be "thirty-something." This means the next Bond is old enough to make it believable he's had experience in the spy game, but young enough that the new actor can play the part for multiple films. Taylor-Johnson turned 32 in 2022, meaning he's a prime candidate. The actor has had plenty of experience with action roles too, from the Kick-Ass duology to his ing role in Christopher Nolan's Tenet. The arrival of Kraven in 2023 will also see his star rise.
Despite starring in several major movies, Taylor-Johnson still hasn't quite gotten the role that would break him through to major stardom. Craig was an acclaimed character actor before his Casino Royale adaptation, but that Bond outing quickly transformed his career. Being cast as 007 would do the same for Taylor-Johnson, and the fact he's British and quite handsome to boot won't hurt his chances either. It's little wonder Matthew Vaughn thought he'd make a great 007 avatar for a Kings Man sequel, but this might be the rare instance where the Bond saga gains inspiration from the Kingsmen movies.
How Likely Is It That Aaron Taylor-Johnson Will Be The Next Bond?
Of course, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a long way from being confirmed as the next 007. The Sun isn't exactly the most reliable source when it comes to Bond casting news, and series co-producer Barbara Broccoli told Deadline in June 2022 that the next film was at least two years off, and that "Nobody's in the running" in of casting. That said, the James Bond movie producers are likely hard at work defining 007's next chapter and exploring casting. Taylor-Johnson is a strong contender for several reasons, but there will be no shortage of actors seeking out the role. In the meantime, maybe he scratch that itch if The Kings Man sequel does press ahead.
