There is a new favorite in the race for who will replace Daniel Craig in the James Bond movies.
This Marvel star is said to have wowed producers during their recent screen test.
And it might not be exactly who you would expect!
But clearly, cinema is moving to bigger and better things…
Scroll down for the full story!
The 007 agent dates all the way back to 1953 after a series of books were created and published by British author, Ian Fleming.
When he died in 1964, his legacy of work was recognized and was to be later adapted onto the big screen, creating the James Bond that we all know and love to this day.
The first of the films was Dr. No which saw the late Sean Connery step into the shoes of James Bond.
He played the role of the 007 agent for 7 of the movies, including From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971).
Other iconic actors who went on to play the role include David Niven and George Lazenby.
Before the suit was later passed over to Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan.
And then, of course, came Daniel Craig…
His first stint as Bond was in the reboot of Casino Royale, and despite starring in only 4 Bond movies, Craig has become the longest-serving 007 agent.
But, unfortunately for any Craig fans, his time as the iconic character has come to an end…
Craig has stepped down from the role as Bond.
No Time To Die, Craig’s fifth and final movie as the superstar agent, was released in 2021.
The movie was released after several pushbacks and was a huge hit among fans as they sadly saw Craig take on the role of Bond for one last time.
But, as sad as people are to see him go, it’s left everyone with one question…
Who will replace him?
Rumors have been circling for many months now about the next possible Bond.
And a lot of people began pitching the idea that the next James Bond should be a woman.
It is 2022, after all…
But many were strongly against the idea of changing the gender of James Bond’s character after being such a significant figure for 6 decades.
“Why not create your own story rather than jumping onto the shoulders and being compared to all those other male predecessors?” Rachel Weisz, Craig’s wife, said in a 2018 interview.
“Women are really fascinating and interesting, and should get their own stories.”
It also has to be said that the actors who have played the 007 agents in the past have all lacked one thing…
And that’s diversity.
All of the James Bond actors have been white, and many are hoping for this to be changed for the next movie.
Speaking in an interview with Variety, producer Barbara Broccoli said: “He can be of any color, but he is male.”
“I believe we should be creating new characters for women — strong female characters,” she continued.
“I’m not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it. I think women are far more interesting than that.”
The question of who will be the next Bond still remains on people’s lips.
And for fans, it’s a big deal. After all, they’re very big shoes to fill.
A few people have been tipped as the possible next Bond…
Including John Boyega and Regé-Jean Page.
But fans feel they could be closer than ever to finding out who could be the next Bond…
Producers confirmed that Idris Elba has been “part of the conversation” for the next 007…
In an interview with Deadline, producer Barbara Broccoli revealed that they though Elba was a “magnificent actor.”
“Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor,”she said.
“And, you know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat.”
But, despite praising Elba, Broccoli said they are in no hurry to pick the next actor.
“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 savor, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else,” she told the outlet.
We think Idris Elba would make a great Bond!
But, Elba is by no means the only frontrunner…
Tom Holland has also been tipped to play the role.
This comes after a huge revelation…
According to Ross King, “The latest rumor — and in some ways part of this is very much true — which is, basically, the Bond producers are looking for a younger Bond. Someone probably in their 30s.”
It has also been revealed that in the next movie, for the first time ever, James Bond will be serving a King rather than a Queen.
The first James Bond novel dates all the way back to 1953 with Casino Royale and has since gone on to be one of the longest-running film franchises of all time.
It came out a year after the Queen’s coronation.
As of now, it still remains a mystery as to who the next James Bond will be, but with King Charles III sitting on the throne now, it’s very unlikely we’ll be seeing the next James Bond serve a queen.
The Queen herself became a fan of James Bond back in 2012…
When she made a grand entrance into the Olympic stadium alongside Daniel Craig, where she ‘jumped’ out of the helicopter with a parachute.
It was later revealed that the Queen had only accepted to do it if none of her family or the government knew about it.
But the latest installment about the franchise has everyone talking…
It appears that producers have their eyes on a young Marvel star to take on the iconic role.
As per Cosmopolitan, this star is “now one of the front-runners” after having wowed Barbara Broccoli.
A source revealed the star “went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him.”
The thirty-two-year-old actor is already known for his hit roles in Anna Karenina, Nowhere Boy and Bullet Train.
And it’s none other than Aaron Taylor-Johnson!
What do you think of the Avengers: Age of Ultron star taking over as 007?