He’s married to a woman 23 years his senior and has seen his career go from strength to strength, with three huge film appearances this year alone.
Now British actor Aaron Taylor Johnson, 33, is understood to have been formally offered the chance to play the next James Bond after months of speculation about the role.
The star, who has been acting since childhood, had his big breakthrough performance in 2009 as John Lennon in the biopic Nowhere Boy, directed by Sam Taylor Johnson, 57, who Aaron married in 2012.
The couple, who share four children together, have a remarkably large age difference, with Aaron being just 22 when he wed Sam who was 45 at the time in Somerset, England.
Aaron has been nominated for two BAFTAs and previously won Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes for Nocturnal Animals.
He is yet to officially accept the Bond role, but should he do so he will become only the seventh actor to play the iconic British secret agent since the franchise launched in 1962.
Aaron Taylor Johnson, 33, (pictured) is understood to have been formally offered the chance to play the next James Bond
Aaron is married to director Sam Taylor Johnson, 57, who his 23 years his senior
The couple share four children together and have a remarkably large age difference
Aaron starred in teenage rom-com Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging in 2008, when he was 18
The pair’s relationship has caused controversy, as the couple met while filming Nowhere Boy in 2009, which Sam directed, when Aaron was 18 and she was 42 (pictured)
Aaron and Sam, who have four daughters together, share matching tattoos of each other’s names
The couple married in 2012 and co-parent four children together
In his early years, Aaron appeared in films including Shanghai Knights in 2003, The Illusionist in 2006, and was the male heart throb in teenage rom-com Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging in 2008, when the actor was 18.
He is perhaps best known for his role of the title character in superhero movie Kick-Ass, premiered in 2010, and its 2013 sequel.
He has since seen his career go from strength to strength, with three major film appearances coming up this year.
Aaron will be starring as a famous action star who goes missing in The Fall Guy, opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
And will also appear in the hotly anticipated remake of 1922 gothic horror Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers and featuring a star-studded cast, including Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp and Willem Dafoe.
But Aaron’s biggest upcoming role will see him rejoin the superhero world, as he will be playing the titular role in Kraven the Hunter, the fifth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.
The star’s name has been in the running for Bond for a while now, alongside fellow A-list contenders like Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and recent Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy.
In October last year, the Mail exclusively revealed that Aaron was the ‘one to beat’ to take the iconic role, while Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan was looking likely to helm the next film in the franchise.
Aaron was born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, to his mother Sarah and civil engineer father Robert Johnson.
He began acting at the age of six, appearing in a London production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, playing the son of Macduff alongside Rufus Sewell, who played Macbeth, in 1999.
His love-life has largely revolved around his wife Sam, whom he met aged 18 when she was 42. The couple met when Aaron sat down with the director to discuss his interest in playing the young John Lennon in her pre-Beatles film Nowhere Boy.
Before he bagged the role, Aaron thought a few factors might stand in the way of Sam picking him for the part. ‘I couldn’t sing, I couldn’t play guitar, and I couldn’t do a Liverpool accent,’ he told Vogue.
He added that he was so desperate to play the part that he tried to inhabit Lennon’s voice and mannerisms.
‘I’d go on YouTube and search for early footage of Lennon, to hear his voice, try to copy and see his mannerisms and body language,’ said Aaron.
Aaron, who is known for his roles in Nocturnal Animals, Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy and Avengers: Age of Ultron, is understood to have been offered the role as James Bond
Outside of acting, Aaron’s personal life has generated much public interest, due to the large age gap between him and his wife, Sam Taylor-Johnson, 57 (pictured in 2009)
He began acting as a child and has seen his career go from strength to strength, with three huge film appearances this year alone (pictured in The Fall Guy)
Aaron has been nominated for two BAFTAs and previously won Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes for Nocturnal Animals
Outside of acting, Aaron’s personal life has generated much public interest, due to the large age gap between him and his wife
Aaron in John Lennon Film Nowhere Boy (2009) Directed By Sam Taylor
Aaron has been acting since the age of six and secured many roles as a child
Aaron is yet to officially accept the Bond role, but should he do so he will become only the seventh actor to play the iconic British secret agent
Aaron became a father at the age of 20 to Sam’s third daughter, Wylda Rae.
‘Sam’s this lovely, loving woman, you know,’ Aaron told Vogue.
Aaron and Sam share matching tattoos – Aaron with a large ‘Sam’ inked across his heart next to a bird and Sam with a slightly smaller ‘Aaron’ written around her collarbone.
In March 2023, Aaron was said to have completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Bond boss Barbara and impressed her.
According to the Mail On Sunday, Barbara made it clear she wanted the next actor to portray the character for 15 years.
Outside of acting, Aaron’s personal life has generated much public interest, due to the large age gap between him and his wife.
Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam also has two older daughters – Angelica, 26, and Jessie, 17, with her ex-husband Jay Jopling.
Their relationship has caused controversy, as the couple met while filming Nowhere Boy in 2009, which Sam directed, when Aaron was 18 and she was 42, going on to welcome their first daughter Wylda the following year.
Sam previously spoke about falling for Aaron on the set, but insisted nothing happened until the movie wrapped.
She said: ‘I managed to hold off really until almost the end of the film. We weren’t even together then. Maybe feelings were there but un-acted upon.
‘The thing is, we had quite a psychic link when working together. I knew from a flicker of an eyelash what kind of performance I was going to get. I felt that link almost from day one of meeting him.’
The news about Aaron’s offer to play the world’s most famous spy comes after fans cast their votes on who they wanted in the role.
A study of 2,000 Brits by Lottoland, saw Idris come out on top, with some unconventional choices thrown into the mix, like Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren.
Bond is famed for turning those who play 007 into global superstars and the franchise isn’t shy of casting left-field stars to take on the role.
James Bond fans confirm who they REALLY want as Daniel Craig’s replacement – overwhelmingly beating out two other 007 candidates
By Hannah McDonald
It’s the movie role that can transform unknown actors into global mega stars – and now Brits have had their say over who they want the next James Bond to be.
Since Daniel Craig put down his martini and hung up his tux, movie fans have been eagerly waiting to find out who will be next to pick up 007’s gun.
One of Hollywood’s most iconic roles, actors who played the suave, steely-eyed and devastatingly charming spy include Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton.
Now, thousands of Bond fans have been casting their vote over who they want to replace Craig in the franchise.
And topping the list is Luther star Idris Elba, who was the overwhelming favourite for the gig following a study of 2,000 Brits.
The poll, commissioned by Lottoland, saw the 51-year-old beating the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, Superman’s Henry Cavill and the Oscar-winning man with the golden gong, Cillian Murphy, to the prized role.
Some of the other top 20 A-listers fans suggested to be in the running included some left-wing stars, like House of the Dragons’ Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren, The Sun revealed.
Fans of James Bond revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in the spy flicks – Idris Elba (seen on Saturday)
Daniel Craig has played James Bond for five instalments of the spy flicks, since Casino Royale in 2006
Superman Henry Cavill is another Bond making the top 20 of the poll
Also in the running is Venom star Tom Hardy who was the second favourite to replace Daniel Craig as 007
From Sean Connery (left) to Roger Moore (right), the men chosen to play Bond are typically steely-eyed, testosterone-fuelled, with deadly charm
Pictured: Pierce Brosnan as 007
Bond is famed for turning those who play 007 into global superstars.
And the franchise isn’t shy of casting left-field stars to take on the role. The late Sean Connery, one of the most recognisable Bonds, had only featured in a series of TV films when he accepted the role of the titular British spy in 1962’s Dr. No, catapulting him to international fame.
But while Idris was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role last year so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
Idris brought up the persistent discussions about him taking over as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy in February 2023.
When asked about the Luther film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he said: ‘It’s very dark.
‘We’ve been working on the television show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and so we’re here with the first movie.
‘You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.
‘I’m going to be John Luther. That’s who I am.’
Back in August 2022, it was reported Idris had walked away from ‘years of talks’ with movie bosses to take over the famous role.
He had been the bookies’ favourite to replace Daniel Craig as the super spy, but is keen to pursue other roles – and has even put forward a list of proposed names to producer Barbara Broccoli of actors to play 007.
A source told The Sun: ‘Fans and Barbara wanted Idris but he wants to create something for himself.
‘However, he’s put forward names to play 007. He’s ‘informally’ in the decision-making process as he’s been in talks with producers for so long.’
contacted reps for Idris and James Bond producers at the time.
While Aaron Taylor-Johnson, once hailed as the ‘one to beat’ to become the next 007, placed 9th
He’s the man with the golden gong, but could Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy be the next 007
How about Marvel’s cheeky trickster, Loki? Tom Hiddleston features sixth on the list
But there are some left-field entries, too, including Emily Blunt as the first female Bond
And House of the Dragon star Emilia Clarke – who once played Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise – is also a female front runner
While at the premiere of his movie The Harder They Fall in 2021, Idris said when asked if he’ll be considered as the next 007 he said: ‘No, I’m not going to be James Bond.’
He also told The Express about the rumours: ‘I’m probably the most famous Bond actor in the world, and I haven’t even played the role.’
Idris then added: ‘Enough is enough. I can’t talk about it anymore.’
Despite this Ladbrokes awarded the actor 3/1 on taking on the role after Daniel announced 2021’s No Time To Die would be his last outing as the character.
The bookmakers said at the time: ‘We’ve seen a flurry of interest in Idris Elba and have slashed his odds accordingly, so much so that he’s now the clear favourite as far as we’re concerned to replace Daniel Craig as 007.’
Also rumoured to be in the running at the time were Tom Hardy at 5/1, Rege-Jean Page 4/1 and Richard Madden 20/1.
Daniel Craig has been Bond since his first outing in 2006’s Casino Royal, before announcing 2021’s No Time To Die would be his last time as 007
Grantchester’s James Norton (pictured in 2021) placed fourth in the poll for the future famed spy
Others in the running for Bond include Scottish Game of Thrones star, Richard Madden
Regé Jean-Page (pictured in July 2022) also made the list, placing just behind Madden in 11th
Spider-Man Tom Holland was also on the list to replace Daniel Craig as Bond
James Bond producer Barbara previously admitted it will take a long time to choose Craig’s 007 replacement.
The filmmaker insisted it’s not as easy as picking an actor to take on the iconic role of the suave spy.
Speaking to Variety, Barbara said: ‘It’s a big decision.
‘It’s not just casting a role. It’s about a whole rethink about where we’re going.’
Earlier that same year, the blockbuster franchise’s producer confirmed Idris was ‘part of the conversation’ to be the next 007.
She told Deadline’s Crew Call podcast: ‘Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor.’
‘And, you know, it’s been a part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat.’
Hunky Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan also features in the top 20 for the next Bond
As does Welshman Luke Evans, who has starred in a string of Hollywood blockbusters – including the Hobbit, Fast & Furious 6 and Dracula Untold
Flying high off his recent role in the Netflix smash, Saltburn, could Barry Keoghan be the next to step into the shoes of 007?
Perhaps an unlikely choice but Leo Woodall’s role in Neflix’s One Day has seen his popularity surge – sitting 13th in the table for future Bonds
Barbara added that there is no rush from Bond bosses to name the actor as they wanted to let the cast and crew savour the Craig’s final movie No Time To Die.
She said: ‘I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.’
The producer also hinted at a re-imagining of the franchise. explaining: ‘It’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through.’
She added though that any casting announcements are a way off, saying: ‘We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time,’ she continued. ‘There isn’t a script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film.
‘I’d say that filming is at least two years away.’
All the previous actors to star as James Bond
James Bond has been thrilling cinema-goers worldwide with his adrenaline-fuelled secret missions to exotic places for more than 60 years.
The British spy, codenamed 007, has found himself fighting villains and terrorists on the moon, under water and at the top of a skyscraper.
And since his big screen debut in 1962, only six actors have played Bond (seven, if you include the portrayal of 007 by Peter Sellers in 1967’s comedy spoof ‘Casino Royal’).
The hunt is now on to find the latest Bond, with front-runners including Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Cillian Murphy. Now, we look back at all the previous actors to star as 007.
Sean Connery: 1962-1971
Sean Connery was the first Bond to hit the big screen in a dashing debut as 007
The first star to hit the screen as Bond was the devastatingly charming Sean Connery, starring in 1962’s Dr. No.
The acclaimed Scotsman went on to feature in five more Bond flicks, before retiring as 007 in 1971’s Diamonds are Forever.
George Lazenby: 1969
He may only have had one outing as James Bond, was met with a mixed reception
However, George Lazenby made his only appearance as the British spy in 1969’s 007 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
He’s version of Bond, however, was met with a mixed reception. Some lauded him for a more serious portray of the spy. But others felt he was uncharismatic, and lacked the suave and charm of Connery.
Roger Moore: 1977-1985
Roger Moore was one of the longest-serving Bonds, featuring in seven films
Roger Moore became the next Bond, featuring in seven films from 1977’s Live and Let Die, to his final outing in 1985’s A View to a Kill.
Moore’s turn as 007 brought without some outlandish and ludicrous plot lines, which featured him battling on the moon in Moonraker.
Timothy Dalton: 1985-1989
Timothy Dalton was next to take on the mantle, debuting as Bond in 1987’s The Living Daylights.
Timothy Dalton was next to take on the mantle, debuting as Bond in 1987’s The Living Daylights.
Dalton’s portrayal brought a gritter and more serious Bond to the screen, with a darker sense of humour.
He featured in one more Bond film, A Licence to Kill, in 1989 before being replaced.
Pierce Brosnan: 1995-2002
Pierce Brosnan was the next bond, debuting in 1995’s Goldeneye
It took six years for Dalton’s replacement, Pierce Brosnan, to get his outing in the 1995 smash-hit Golden Eye.
Brosnan went on to do three more Bond films during his seven-year stint as 007, which wound with Die Another Die in 2002.
Daniel Craig: 2006-2021
Daniel Craig’s take on Bond saw a beefed up version of the British spy taking to the screens (pictured in-character in 2020)
Daniel Craig stepped Bond’s in 2006 with a cinematic reset of the titular spy, replacing the gadgetry of previous installments with a grittier and more muscular reinvention of 007.
His opening portrayal of a more haunted Bond in his debut film, Casino Royal, was critically celebrated – hailed as one of the best Bonds in years.
Craig would feature in four more films before finally downing his last Martini – shaken, not stirred – in 2021’s No Time To Die, becoming the first Bond to be killed on screen.