"If Henry Cavill Ain’t Available" – Fans Split Over Reports of Barbara Broccoli Meeting Aaron Taylor-Johnson for James Bond

The longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson recently passed creative control of the legendary spy franchise, James Bond, to Amazon MGM Studios.

With the dust now settled on this major shake-up, speculation has begun about who will be the next actor to take on the mantle of 007, with a source telling Deadline that Broccoli did meet with Aaron Taylor-Johnson before her stepping away from the franchise. According to Deadline, the source told the publication,

“Just as kind of an ongoing, keeping your eye out on who’s around, but keeping in touch. But I definitely don’t think that there was any frontrunner. They wanted to know what they wanted to do next before they thought of the right person for it.”

Taylor-Johnson is speculated to play Bond following a rumor that Barbara Broccoli sat down with him in the past. British tabloid The Sun has announced that the Bullet Train and Avengers: Age of Ultron actor is on the verge of signing to be the next James Bond.

Taylor-Johnson has spoken about the speculation but has neither confirmed nor denied any involvement. He expressed appreciation for the offer during an interview with Numéro in 2024 but did not offer any further details. He said,

"I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment."

Taylor-Johnson’s casting as Bond has earned mixed reactions from fans. Some people are lamenting over the absence of Henry Cavill, a favorite to play the role. One X user said:

"Aaron Taylor as James is probably just a second or third option if Henry Cavill ain’t available"

"I'm not sold on Aaron Taylor-Johnson as James Bond." Wrote another.

“…… I can’t give the role of James Bond to Kraven the Hunter…… I just can’t….” commented one internet user.

"Henry Cavill is the only choice. Aaron isn't a good enough actor. Kraven was terrible." Remarked another.

While others appreciate the decision saying that he is perfect for the part.

Aaron Taylor Johnson needs to be bond idc he’s amazing. Said one fan.

"Completely forgot about Aaron, yeah, that’s the guy, no contest." Wrote one internet user.

"So they're really looking at new folks for the role. Heard some buzz about this guy, seems interesting. Wonder what kind of direction they'll go in next. Remarked a X user.

A look into every James Bond actor through the years

Sean Connery was the first actor to play James Bond, in Dr. No (1962), and later appeared in six official EON Productions films, and Never Say Never Again (1983), a non-EON remake of Thunderball.

George Lazenby took on the role in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) and departed after a single picture. According to an article by Radio Times, Connery came back for Diamonds Are Forever. Only for Roger Moore to take over. He portrayed Bond in seven films starting with Live and Let Die in 1973.

Timothy Dalton played the role in a pair of films, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, his movies were considered to be more dark and mature. Pierce Brosnan helped bring the character back to life with GoldenEye (1995) and continued till Die Another Day (2002).

In the early 200’s Daniel Craig transformed Bond’s legacy with a more down-to-earth, emotional portrayal, beginning in Casino Royale (2006) and ending with No Time to Die (2021).