Aaron Taylor-Johnson may have just dropped a huge hint that he is in line to be the next James Bond...
Ever since No Time To Die hit our screens back in 2021 and Daniel Craig's James Bond met his end, people have wondered who will revive the character.
Craig starred in five movies about the fictional character from 2006 to 2021 - following fellow actors Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Piers Brosnan.
Among the names of who could be the next 007 is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and the rumors just aren't going away.
Taylor-Johnson appeared on the red carpet to promote 28 Years Later, the highly anticipated third installment in the iconic franchise that began with 28 Days Later.
But when Deadline asked what his next project might be, the Bullet Train star flashed a coy smile and said simply: “I can’t talk about it,” before swiftly ending the conversation.
That brief interaction was all fans needed. Social media erupted with speculation that 35-year-old Taylor-Johnson is hinting at having secured the coveted role of 007.
“He's my number one hope for the next James Bond. Really hoping for a solid 10-15 years of him in that role,” one fan tweeted. Another added: “Bond... James Bond #Bond26.”
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the signs are piling up. Taylor-Johnson has reportedly already met with James Bond producers and performed "very well" in an audition.
"Aaron has impressed bosses so much that he has filmed one of the franchise's famous gun barrel teaser scenes, something all the actors do," a source told the Sun. "That move takes him a step closer to signing a deal. Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalog of action films."
Adding fuel to the fire, Bond co-producer Michael G. Wilson has previously stated the team is aiming to cast a 30-something industry veteran.
“We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work,” Wilson told Deadline.
“Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a 30-something.”
Meanwhile, 28 Years Later is earning rave reviews ahead of its theatrical release.
Set nearly three decades after the original Rage Virus outbreak, the film follows Taylor-Johnson and co-star Jodie Comer as Jamie and Isla - a husband and pregnant wife trying to survive on the tidal island of Lindisfarne.
Critics are already buzzing, giving the film a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—higher than the original 28 Days Later.