British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been offered the role of MI6’s most famous spy, James Bond, replacing Daniel Craig.
A source told The Sun that a formal offer has been made to the 33-year-old, who made a name for himself in the Kick-Ass and Avengers movies, after he wowed Bond movie supremo Barbara Broccoli during a screen test.
Read more: Christopher Nolan denies rumours of his involvement in the next James Bond film
Eon Productions, which makes the spy thriller films, is on course to start shooting this year after delays due to Hollywood strikes last year.
Sources, however, said a script was in the works, with production scheduled to take place at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.
Besides Taylor-Johnson, other actors considered for the role were Oscar winner Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and James Norton.
Taylor-Johnson began his acting career in 2000’s The Apocalypse, and appeared in 2008 teen movie Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging and 2022’s Bullet Train.
Read more: Spy chief reacts to Chinese parody of James Bond
Insiders said Taylor-Johnson’s performance as a psychopath in 2016 thriller Nocturnal Animals, which saw him win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, opened the door to the Bond role.
The next bond film will be the 26th, after No Time to Die.
The BBC has approached Taylor-Johnson. Eon Productions which makes the Bond films has said they don’t comment on speculation, however a production insider has told BBC News there is “no truth in the rumours”.
There has been speculation over the role for some time.
Taylor-Johnson recently told Numero magazine he found it “charming and wonderful that people see me in that role”, when asked about the rumours naming him as the next Bond.