An Action Movie Flop Proves Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is The Best James Bond Casting Choice

Aaron Taylor-Johnson hasn’t officially been cast as James Bond, but it’s the most picture-perfect casting that’s possible. With “Bullet Train,” Taylor-Johnson was able to step into the shoes of someone as ruthless, charismatic, and daring as 007 — without actually playing the role. As the spy franchise reinvents itself for the 2020s, audiences are eager to see a stylistic 007 who stands apart from the dark and gloomy iteration that Daniel Craig perfected. Bond has always been charming, but the character’s humor has been abandoned over the last two decades. 

Taylor-Johnson’s wit and self-aware dazzle in “Bullet Train” would lend itself well to Bond, especially if Eon Productions is interested in making the character more relevant for chuckle-starved audiences. Beyond laughs, the actor has the physical chops to nail the role — just look at his CV, which includes playing Quicksilver in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and the titular vigilante in “Kick-Ass.” Even if this new Bond isn’t quippy, audiences can find him playing a military grunt with precision in projects like “Godzilla” and “Tenet.” 

While Taylor-Johnson isn’t exactly a box office powerhouse, he’s still an A-lister who has more recognition now than Craig had before he got the Bond gig. The actor has already proven himself by tackling major franchises and is one of the most versatile British thespians working today. For what it’s worth, he’s been a reported front-runner for the role for months and has been fan cast as the spy countless times. When asked by Numero in March 2024 about the rumors surrounding his (hopeful) gig, the actor offered nothing more than a gracious response. “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment,” he said.