Idris Elba Officially Passed Over For The Role Of James Bond In Favor Of ‘Avengers’ Star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Sources Say

Idris Elba, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Idris Elba Officially Passed Over For The Role Of James Bond In Favor Of ‘Avengers’ Star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Sources Say

Looks like any lingering speculations about Idris Elba being the next James Bond will end soon.

Sources familiar with the matter state that actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has quietly been offered the role, and is currently in negotiations with the franchise’s production company.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

As you may recall, Idris Elba, 51, has been at the center of James Bond conversations since Daniel Craig retired from the role with his final film “No Time To Die” in 2021. Seeing as though renditions of the British spy, also known as 007, have routinely been reimagined by different movie stars, fans wasted no time giving their thoughts about who they’d like to portray Bond next. In early 2022, reports began surfacing that much to fans’ delight, Elba’s name was reportedly being widely discussed as part of the conversation.

Since then, contradicting reports began circulating, with some saying that the “Luther” star was no longer in the running and others saying he was the forefront contender. The conversation shifted drastically, however, after Elba himself expressed his disinterest in being the next Bond due to criticism he faced from supporters of the franchise about his race.

Many who opposed Elba’s consideration felt his casting would be inauthentic because the character is typically portrayed by white men such as Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Pierce Brosnan. Sharing his perspective about potentially being cast as Bond, Elba stated during an interview last year:

“It was a huge compliment that every corner of the world — except for some corners, which we will not talk about — were really happy about the idea that I could be considered…Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it.”

Adding:

“I can’t speak for [the producers], but from my perspective, there’s never been any sort of truth to any of it. It’s a compliment, and it’s an honor — but it’s not a truth.”

Now reports state that Eon, the production studio behind the popular franchise, is finalizing things with their next leading man Aaron Taylor-Johnson. A source familiar with the matter reportedly stated:

“Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it…The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back.”

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Adding:

“As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.”

Taylor-Johnson, 33, is most notable for his role as Pietro Maximoff in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” as well as the 2010 film “Kick-Ass.” It does not appear he has confirmed the reports at this time, but he did reportedly comment on speculations about him portraying Bond just last week, stating:

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

It does not appear Elba has commented on the matter at this time.

[VIA]

Thoughts? Leave them for us in the comments below!