RUMORED: Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the frontrunner for the next James Bond

Ever since Daniel Craig definitively put the nail in the coffin for his 007 conclusion, there has been much speculation over who the next James Bond should be. The EON producers, Barbara Broccoli and her partner, Michael G. Wilson, have made it clear that the actor they get will have to make a multi-film commitment that can occupy years of their career. For this reason, popular choices like Idris Elba and Tom Hardy are taken out of the running.

There have been many rumblings lately that the role may be offered to Aaron Taylor-Johnson, although it has not been confirmed. Esquire is currently adding fuel to the fire that a credible source has told the UK paper, The Sun, that Taylor-Johnson recently filmed a screen test at Pinewood Studios for Broccoli. “Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the front-runners.”

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is said to be in the perfect age range for Bond, as the producers are looking for someone who has had ample experience in the field. Producer Michael G. Wilson explained, “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past but trying to visualize it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience – 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 […] That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”

Taylor-Johnson has also had experience in action films, as he can be seen in this year’s Bullet Train opposite Brad Pitt. He’s also played militaristic characters in big-budget movies like Godzilla and Tenet, as well as shown off his fighting prowess in Kick-Ass and Avengers: Age of Ultron.