Photo:Norman Jean Roy

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Esquire: September 2023 Cover

Norman Jean Roy

Aaron Taylor-Johnsonis dodging reports that he’s a prime candidate to play the nextJames Bond.

As Taylor-Johnson, 33, spoke toEsquireaboutKraven the Hunterand potential future prospects, the actor stressed that his main focus is on releasing the action filmwhen pressed about the Bond rumors. (TheEsquireinterview was conducted before Hollywood actors went on strike in July.)

Taylor-Johnson, who has been centered in conversations around 007 since Daniel Craig wrapped his run of the role in 2021’sNo Time to Die,went on to tell the outlet that he feels a need to “understand what is integral to you and what feels right, and you’ve got to stay on track with what’s present in front of you.”

“Kraven is what’s in front of me,” he added.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Esquire: September 2023 Cover

When asked whether he’s excited about the prospect of playing Bond, Taylor-Johnson said, “It’s not really for me to say anything."“I’ve spent two years making Kraven. So all that hard work we put into trying to get that to where it is— that’s where I’m at right now," he added.

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Little has been announced about future Bond movies, though the series' longtime producer Michael G. Wilson said back in October that “trying to visualize” younger actors in the role has never worked out.

“Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience,” Wilson, 81, said at the time. “He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something.”

“He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off,” Wilson added. “That’s why it works for a 30-something.”

Nicola Dove/MGM/THA/Shutterstock

Daniel Craig stars as James Bond in NO TIME TO DIE

Actors likeIdris ElbaandTaron Edgertonhave said in recent months that they do not expect to play Bond.Rebel Wilsonsaid in May that she auditioned for a role in the next 007 film, though not the lead part.

Kraven the Hunterreleases in theaters August 30, 2024.

source: people.com