It might be a little while before we learn the identity of the next James Bond, but we already know it wonโt be Taron Egerton.
The British thespian of Kingsman and Apple TV+โs Tetris movie fame has recently suggested the proverbial train has left the equally proverbial station without him:
โYeah. I mean, I think theyโve already got someoneโฆ and itโs not me.โ
The revelation comes amidst conflicting reports that โnobodyโs in the runningโ all the while industry insiders indicate Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the top choice.
RELATED: Even Tom Hanks Wants Idris Elba To Be The Next James Bond
โ[Aaron Taylor-Johnson] went for a screen test to be the next James Bond in September and producers and [Barbara Broccoli] loved him. He is now one of the front-runners,โ one such insider told The Sun last December.
Beyond Aaron Taylor-Johnsonโs extremely solid acting resume and star power potential, the handsome face you will have probably encountered in Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Nocturnal Animals, Tenet, and Bullet Train certainly fits the criteria as previously outlined by veteran Bond producers Barbara Broccoli (daughter of Cubby Broccoli) and Michael G. Wilson (half-brother of Barbara).
โWeโve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesnโt work,โ Michael G. Wilson recently explained, effectively striking out previous betting favourite Tom Holland in the process.
โRemember, Bondโs already a veteran. Heโs had some experience. Heโs a person who has been through the wars, so to speak.โ
RELATED: Pierce Brosnan Is Sick Of The 007 Chat (And Didnโt Care For โNo Time To Dieโ)
โHeโs probably been in the SAS or something. He isnโt some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. Thatโs why it works for a 30-something.โ
Barbara Broccoli added: โHe should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].โ
Still, whether Aaron Taylor-Johnson eventually becomes the next James Bond or not, itโll be another a few years before we see anything on screens.
โWeโre working out where to go with him, weโre talking that through. There isnโt a script and we canโt come up with one until we decide how weโre going to approach the next film because, really, itโs a reinvention of Bond,โ said Broccoli.
โWeโre reinventing who he is and that takes time. Iโd say that filming is at least two years away.โ
Side note: Taron Egerton might not land the role of James Bond, but perhaps he still has a chance to don the adamantium claws for the MCU.