Latest news with #AaronTaylorJohnson
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Films that shaped Aaron Taylor-Johnson to be the next James Bond
The rumour mill went into overdrive last week when a major clue suggested that British heart-throb Aaron Taylor-Johnson has signed on to be the next James Bond. Many names have been thrown in the mix as to who will take over the iconic 007 gig from Daniel Craig. From Idris Alba to Regé-Jean Page to Theo James and Henry Cavill, it's been quite the guessing game in Hollywood. But the biggest clue came last week when Taylor-Johnson was announced as an ambassador for Omega – the brand of watch that the sexy secret agent has been wearing in every film since Golden Eye in 1995. Taylor-Johnson, 34, join the luxe label's roster of global ambassadors, with the latest promotional campaign showing the Kick-Ass and Avengers actor staring into a cabinet filled with the expensive wristwatches. According to The Sun, the Marvel star was formally offered the role of the British spy last year – and it's easy to see why Taylor-Johnson is a cut above the rest. He's British, he's dapper and he's Kick-Ass. Yep, the actor quite literally played the titular character in the 2010 film Kick-Ass and its 2013 sequel, Kick-Ass 2. So he's also got the spy moves down pat. But before he goes all suave and secret agent on us, here are the films that quite possibly helped shape Taylor-Johnson to become the next James Bond – and they are all available to watch for free on streaming service Tubi. All we can say is, Taylor-Johnson – who was recently labelled Britain's next leading man by Rolling Stone – has had quite the glow-up… Kick-Ass In this 2010 action-comedy, Taylor-Johnson plays high school geek Dave Lizewski who reinvents himself as the superhero Kick-Ass. He has zero powers, but confidence is everything. And by wearing his green and yellow mask, he goes from ordinary to extraordinary as he fights crime with his trusty batons. He may need to ditch them for an Aston Martin and sleek gadgets as 007, but Taylor-Johnson will find his Kick-Ass training will come in handy should he be faced with some villains and henchmen in the James Bond films. Dummy He was a reluctant hero in the 2008 tear-jerker Dummy, but Taylor-Johnson got to hone his craft. Here, the actor showed off his acting range to play Danny, an aspiring DJ who assumes a parental role in his younger brother Jack's life when their mother suddenly dies. The brothers take different approaches to dealing with her death – Danny takes the destructive route plotted with sex, drugs and music, and Jack (played by Thomas Grant) adopts a more unconventional method by finding a mannequin and dressing it up like their mother. As they learn to come to terms with their mum's death, Taylor-Johnson is superb as he navigates a rollercoaster of emotions in the film. The Magic Door Before he was a superhero in Kick-Ass and a sensitive soul on Dummy, Taylor-Johnson played make believe in the fantasy-adventure film The Magic Door. In this tale that's part Power Rangers, part Hansel and Gretel, the fresh-faced actor plays an elf named Flip who goes on an adventure with two runaway siblings. The trio encounter a troll named Raglin who is trying to find the magic door that will take him back home to Fairyland. But the path is no yellow brick road once they encounter Raglin's bitter enemy, the Black Witch. A troll, an evil witch and a frosty face-off, it sounds like the fairytale version of James Bond, if you ask us.
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Who is the next James Bond? It's anyone's guess. But a luxury watchmaker just shifted the odds
The rumour mill is both shaken and stirred at the prospect of the next James Bond star being inadvertently — maybe — leaked. Speculation has been swirling online in recent days that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the star of films like 2024's Kraven the Hunter and the 2022 hit Bullet Train, is poised to take on the role of the world's most beloved and admired spy after Swiss watchmaker Omega announced the 34-year-old is its new global brand ambassador. Both Taylor-Johnson and Omega shared images over the past week of him sporting its watches and touring its factory. Why is that a big deal you ask? The luxury brand has adorned Agent 007 for 30 years, worn in films and ads by recent Bond actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, which is why fans and oddsmakers — yes, you can place your bets on the next Bond — took note of the Taylor-Johnson/Omega marriage. While Taylor-Johnson has been on several lists of potential actors who could portray the suave and sexy super spy in the franchise's 26th instalment, Bond is a fixture in popular culture like few others and predicting who and what's next for him is somewhat of a sport in its own right. And because it's the "off season" for fans right now, it's the perfect time to watch for any indication of a big announcement, says Lisa Funnell, a Hamilton-based scholar and author who has been researching Bond books, film and culture for more than 20 years. It's been nearly four years since the last film of the Craig era, No Time to Die, was released — which was delayed more than a year due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The longest period between Bond films was six years, after Roger Moore's last turn in 1989's Licence to Kill and Brosnan taking the torch in 1995's GoldenEye. "I think until we get a full announcement coming at us, we're not going to know. We're only going to be speculating, which is kind of fun," she said. The perfect Bond Taylor-Johnson has a lot going for him, says British writer and and Bond aficionado Mark O'Connell, adding that he has met the actor and is cheering for him. "He's definitely in my top three or five Bond contenders," he said. "He looks great on screen. The camera loves him. Maybe the box office doesn't yet, Kraven didn't do so well, but the box office and the magazine covers... really love him." But O'Connell isn't taking the Omega partnership as a sign of anything, pointing to the fact another contender, Academy Award-nominated Irish actor Barry Keoghan, is also affiliated with the brand. It may also be worth noting that Taylor-Johnson was sporting an Omega Speedmaster watch in the photos the company posted on social media, while Keoghan was sporting one of its Seamaster series, which is the line that Bond wore in the last nine films. But, moving on. O'Connell thinks Taylor-Johnson stands a solid chance not just because of his looks and acting chops but because he's not too big of a star yet. He says the franchise has typically casts actors who aren't household names. Both he and Funnell agree that a superstar like Superman franchise heartthrob Henry Cavill, whose name has been tossed around and who certainly has the look, is just too big for Bond. That's something that could also count out someone like Jonathan Bailey, whose star is soaring with the blockbuster Wicked and the upcoming Jurassic World: Rebirth. One thing O'Connell believes is a sure bet is that the next Bond will be British (sorry Canadian, American and Australian actors). Bond enters the Amazon era The Hollywood Reporter predicted in December that the next Bond would be Josh O'Connor, known for last year's Challengers and his Emmy-winning turn as Prince Charles in the Netflix series The Crown, suggesting longtime series producer Barbara Broccoli "has always led from the gut, not caved to popular opinion." But here's the thing: She's no longer has creative control of the franchise her family has helmed since its inception in the 1960s. Amazon and MGM Studios are now in charge (MGM owns the rights to the film franchise, Amazon now owns MGM), after striking a deal earlier this year and has already tapped Amy Pascal and David Heyman to produce the film known, for the moment, as Bond 26. That shift left a lot up in the air, says Funnell. "We're entering into brand-new territory," she said. The new producers, she says, could go in a new direction that might not necessarily "fall in step with all the rules that the Bond franchise has had up to this point." Funnell suggests Amazon has an advantage by having so much streaming data and information about what's being watched by which demographics, and that could help inform its decisions of both what kind of star it wants — possibly someone who will attract younger audiences — and the style of Bond movie it makes. She says Amazon also has to take into account the success of other Bond-esque films that have filled the void since the last feature, including two Mission: Impossible movies. She's personally keen to see a return to a more classic style; movies more about the missions and lots more of the gadgets. "I want things that explode, exploding pens, whatever," she said — rather than the more style-driven and and "deeply personal" storylines of the Craig era. O'Connell doesn't think Amazon will shake things up too much because it's "really keen to get it right." As for a big star reveal, he says it likely won't happen until the next writer and director are announced, noting many eyes have been on Oscar-winning Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón (Roma, Gravity). But that, too, is speculation. WATCH | Bond creator Ian Fleming speaks with CBC in 1964: Ian Fleming: a 1964 interview with the brain behind Bond 61 years ago Duration 27:16 Explorations airs an intimate chat with James Bond creator Ian Fleming in his Jamaican hideaway Aired on the CBC-TV program Explorations on Aug. 17, 1964.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Brit star takes the lead in race to be James Bond as flurry of bets are placed on him after 007 ‘clue'
race is on There's another Brit hunk hot on his heels A NEW Brit star has taken the lead in the race to become the next James Bond after a huge 007 'clue'. Speculation over who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role has been heating up, and bookies have slashed odds on one actor following a flurry of bets. 3 3 3 Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been backed to step into 007's shoes by a surge of bets this week. Coral 's John Hill said: 'Aaron Taylor-Johnson has jumped to the top of our next James Bond betting following a surge of bets behind him in the last 24 hours. 'The British actor has been linked to the role in the past, but this is the biggest wave of interest we have seen behind him since we opened betting on Daniel Craig's replacement.' Last week Aaron, 34, fuelled rumours he's bagged the role after signing a deal with Omega - the brand of watch the 007 spy wears. Omega has been supplying timepieces to the iconic literary and movie character since the release of 1995 flick, Golden Eye. The Sun told last year how Aaron had been offered the job - with insiders saying at the time Eon Productions were keen to snap him up. A source said: ' 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. '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.' But hot on Aaron's heels is fellow Brit hunk Theo James who - before Aaron's surge of bets - overtook former favourite Henry Cavill earlier this month. Speaking last week, Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: 'Henry Cavill's return to the head of the Bond betting didn't last long, with Theo James as short as anyone has been to pick up the world's most famous licence to kill.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The world of 28 Years Later: Star Aaron Taylor-Johnson reveals 'disconnected' community battling to survive in long-awaited sequel after humanity was pulled apart by Rage virus outbreak
The much-anticipated release of 28 Years Later is just weeks away, with fans left waiting two decades to discover the next instalment in Danny Boyle 's film series. And with the nation devastated by the Rage virus nearly three decades ago, this new film - released June 19 - will show insight into the vastly different ways humanity has adapted to survive. For one such community, this means complete isolation from the outside world, and in a new clip ahead of the film's premiere, star Aaron Taylor-Johnson shares insight into this new addition to the 28 Days Later universe for the first time. In this new land, known as The Holy Island, humans are entirely self-sufficient, and only leave the community to hunt on the mainland, when the tide is low. Aaron plays Jamie a scavenger who is tasked with training his Spike to survive in the wilderness, before they embark on a deadly mission to the mainland. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newslette r to stay in the loop. In an exclusive featurette, Aaron offers a glimpse at this new Holy Island, explaining: 'My character is part of this community that survived 20-odd years because they live on the Holy Island, disconnected from the mainland. 'They don't have doctors or medicine, can only eat what they can grow, they can go hunt, but they have to go hunt on the mainland.' 'And we have rules, if you leave the island and you don't return, there's no one going out to look for you, they're going to assume you've been infected and you're dead.' Aaron then explains that for his character's son, it's a 'rite of passage' to learn his father's hunting skills, in the hope that they can survive when they leave the island. The film is set on the real-life island of Lindisfarne, which is only accessible through a causeway during low tide. Jodie Comer also stars in the film as Jamie's wife Isla, while Ralph Fiennes plays Dr. Kelson, a survivor of the outbreak. The original film 28 Days Later starred Cillian as a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the breakdown of society. But despite frenzied speculation that he would be reprising his role in this sequel, when the trailer came out in December, with one character appearing to resemble a zombified form of Cillian's character Jim from the first film. In a new clip ahead of the film's premiere, Aaron shares insight into this new addition to the 28 Days Later universe for the first time However, this theory was quickly shut down when a London art dealer and model revealed he was the one playing the zombie character. Danny has since teased that viewers may get to see Cillian, 48, return after all, in one of the later films in the trilogy. Speaking during Sony's presentation at 2025 CinemaCon, the filmmaker hinted: 'Like all good things in life, you may have to wait a little while for [Cillian] to make his appearance'. 28 Years Later was filmed back-to-back with the second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, by director Nia DaCosta, which is being released in January 2026. Producer Andrew Macdonald previously confirmed that Cillian would not be appearing in 28 Years Later, but also suggested he could return for a future film. He told Empire: '[On] this, we wanted him to be involved and he wanted to be involved. He is not in the first film, but I'm hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line.' He added: 'He's involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.' With a budget of $75million, 28 Years Later is the biggest film to be created with an iPhone and follows in the footsteps of a new Apple TV show. 28 Years Later hits UK cinemas on June 19, 2025.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bond fans are convinced that Marvel star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been cast as the next 007, and it's all because of a watch
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. James Bond fans are convinced that Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been cast as the new 007 - and it's all because of a brand partnership with a watch company. Omega took to Instagram to announce their latest partnership with Taylor-Johnson, including the actor in a joint post. You can check out the photo below. Fans were quick to point out that James Bond has been wearing an Omega watch since 1995, and that this must mean that Taylor-Johnson - who has been rumored to be the next Bond for quite some time - is hinting at his takeover of the role. It's worth noting that when the film franchise first began, Bond wore a Rolex. Specifically, he wore a Rolex from 1962's Dr. No until 1974's The Man with a Golden Gun. When The Spy Who Love Me came around, continuing the Roger Moore era and leading up to Timothy Dalton, 007 switched to a Seiko. Omega has been the official James Bond watch since 1995, with Daniel Craig being the last Bond to wear an Omega on his wrist. It could be a reach, but given that Taylor-Johnson reportedly auditioned and screen-tested for the role back in 2022 - which were both met with positive feedback and made him the 'front-runner' for the role - it's definitely possible. A new Bond movie has not yet been announced, but we're sure some news is on the way what with the Amazon acquisition. "If they're welcoming Aaron Taylor-Johnson into the Omega Brand Ambassador Family then he's definitely the next James Bond," one person wrote. "The fact that Aaron Taylor-Johnson just signed with Omega and Henry Cavill is with Longines doesn't bode well for Cavill becoming James Bond," wrote another. "Is this confirmation he is the new Bond? Coincidence? I think not," one fan said. "Just announce him as Bond and make some movies already," said another. "He's definitely got the job," someone else tweeted. For more, check out our complete ranking of the best Bond movies. Then take a look ahead to what's coming your way with our movie release dates calendar.
