Aaron Taylor-Johnson has insisted he ‘can’t talk about’ his next film project.
The 35-year-old actor has long been heavily rumoured to be the next James Bond, from as far back as 2002 – although reports of his official casting were promptly rubbished in March 2024.
But as new owners Amazon MGM look for Daniel Craig’s 007 successor, with full creative control bought from longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson earlier this year, it looks like the British star could still be in the mix.
He gave a very coy response when asked about what he’ll be doing after working on 28 Years Later and its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, back-to-back.
Quizzed by Deadline at the horror movie’s premiere on Wednesday night he said: ‘I can’t talk about it.’
The Kick-Ass star was already being led away before the question was asked, and flashed a smile after his cryptic answer.
‘I wonder how he likes his martinis,’ commented @SanteaguArt on X with a gif of Craig as 007 indulging in the drink, while another fan simply wrote: ‘Bond, James Bond.’
‘Either Bond or back for Avengers,’ predicted Garrett Phillips, while @MistJules argued: ‘He would make a brilliant James Bond.’
‘It has two 0 and a 7 and it’s directed by Alfonso Cuarón,’ insisted @MovieUshermx, mentioning previous reports that the Mexican filmmaker had signed on to helm the franchise’s next film.
‘Please let it be Bond,’ begged another fan, while @JWatchesMovies added: ‘Just announce him as Bond already.’
A few weeks ago, the Hollywood star was unveiled as a global ambassador for Swiss label Omega, which has been the Bond franchise’s go-to watch brand since 1995’s GoldenEye, with every 007 since Pierce Brosnan wearing their timepieces on screen.
Taylor-Johnson said at the time: ‘I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for Omega.
‘Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.’
Meanwhile, Omega’s CEO Raynald Aeschlimann praised him as a ‘versatile actor with a range that covers action, thriller, romance, and much more’.
The only films currently listed as upcoming projects for Taylor-Johnson on IMDb are bomb thriller Fuze and illicit assassin affair drama Blood on Snow.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Fans also think he could be added to the extensive cast of Avengers: Doomsday, for the Russo Brothers and Marvel.
But The Bullet Train star has previously remained tight-lipped about the chance of him playing Bond.
In March 2024, he told Rolling Stone UK: ‘I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell. So, The Fall Guy, Nosferatu, Kraven the Hunter… I’m here to promote those.’
He added: ‘I don’t feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me.’
Amy Pascal and David Heyman are now attached to produce the next film in the super spy series under its new owners.
It’s been nearly four years since Craig handed in his licence to kill after perishing onscreen in 2021’s No Time to Die, his fifth Bond outing over a 15-year span as the iconic character.
Speaking at CinemaCon in April, Amazon MGM executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll told the convention: ‘We are committed to honouring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy and David.
‘They’re both in London getting started and couldn’t be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership.’
Meanwhile, Bond legend Brosnan recently insisted Craig’s successor must have ‘a sense of humour’.
Asked about the requirements an actor needs to take on the part, he told MovieWeb: ‘Good voice, good body, courage – great courage.
‘And a sense of humour, a passion for hard work and danger. And being bold. Gotta be bold, gotta be dangerous. And you have got to know yourself.’
28 Years Later is in UK cinemas from today. It’s out in the US on Friday, June 20.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.