Latest news with #Taylor-Johnson
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
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. 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. LISTEN | Bond's legacy, from the page to the screen: 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). The Hollywood Reporterpredicted 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." LISTEN | What happens when 007 goes to Amazon: 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:
BusinessToday
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Star Power Meets Swiss Craft: OMEGA's Latest Leading Man
(L to R) OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann and OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann From the red carpet to the watchmaker's bench, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is embracing his latest role as a global ambassador for OMEGA. The announcement was made during his visit to the brand's headquarters in Biel, Switzerland, where he toured OMEGA's renowned watchmaking facilities and heritage museum. Reflecting on the experience, he said: 'I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for OMEGA. Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' On the day, he wore the Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space on a brown leather strap. Taylor-Johnson's connection to the brand is personal and rooted in family history. He revealed that his interest in watches began with his father, a working-class man who saved to buy an OMEGA—an act that sparked a lifelong admiration for the brand. OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann praised Taylor-Johnson's versatility and pioneering spirit, noting his diverse roles across action, thriller, and romance genres. He also highlighted the actor's genuine enthusiasm for horology, saying: 'Aaron represents the very best of contemporary talent—authenticity, ambition and timeless style.' Taylor-Johnson began his career on the West End stage at the age of ten before taking on prominent film roles, including his breakout portrayal of John Lennon in Nowhere Boy, and appearances in Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Nocturnal Animals, Kraven, and Nosferatu. His performance in Nocturnal Animals earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. Upcoming projects include 28 Years Later, Fuze, and Blood on Snow. His partnership with OMEGA comes amid mounting speculation around the next James Bond. Taylor-Johnson is widely tipped as a frontrunner to succeed Daniel Craig, whose final appearance as 007 was in No Time to Die (2021). Given OMEGA's role as the official watch partner of the Bond franchise since GoldenEye in 1996, the timing of this ambassadorship has fuelled fan and industry speculation. While no official casting has been announced, the alignment between the brand and potential Bond has not gone unnoticed. Interestingly, Taylor-Johnson's debut with the brand features him wearing the Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space rather than the classic Bond-associated Seamaster. Yet the timepiece's spacefaring legacy offers its playful nod to Bond's more fantastical adventures. Whether a happy coincidence or a carefully timed signal, the symbolism has sparked interest among fans. Related
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Did Omega Just Confirm the Identity of the Next James Bond?
Joining Omega's ranks as the brand's newest ambassador, this British actor instantly becomes a frontrunner to succeed Daniel Craig as 007. Omega introduced its newest brand ambassador on May 22, and the actor chosen for the position suggests one massive speculation. Did Omega just leak the identity of the next actor to play James Bond? British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a perfect fit to represent Omega. He is ruggedly handsome, on the verge of becoming an A-List celebrity and looks damn good in a suit. All those attributes, combined with his nationality, also make him an ideal fit for another iconic role—Agent 007. I must say that I'm approaching this theory with skepticism because many actors have been floated as the next Bond since Daniel Craig decided to hang up his PP7 after 2021's No Time to Die, including some household names like Idris Elba and Henry Cavill. However, Taylor-Johnson checks more boxes than any previous candidate, and the timing of Omega's announcement is almost too perfect for a coincidence. Historically, Bond has been portrayed by actors with minimal notoriety going into the role. Sean Connery was a little-known Scottish film actor before establishing the template for Ian Flemming's secret agent on film. Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan were best known for TV roles prior to serving in Her Majesty's Secret Service. Bond made them all household names. Craig fits the same pattern, having been an obscure indie-film and stage actor before redefining the role for the twenty-first century. Taylor-Johnson broke through as a young man in 2010's Kick-Ass and has maintained that recognizable-but-not-by-name actor status ever since. An upcoming starring role in 28 Years Later may change that. Taylor-Johnson has had his fair share of action roles, starting with Kick-Ass and more recently in The Fall Guy, and he is sure to see plenty of combat in 28 Years Later, which is a strong qualifier for Bond. At the same time, roles in 2024's Nosferatu and 2021's The King's Men demonstrated that he looks good in a suit, which is necessary for any actor hoping to portray Bond. The wheels have already started turning on production for the next Bond film franchise reboot under MGM's new ownership, which means that the titular character must be cast soon… or perhaps already is. Omega has been in the Bond Family since Pierce Brosnan's stint began in 1996's Goldeneye. The Swiss watchmaker is retaining its position in Q Branch for the upcoming era and would surly have inside information if a casting decision has been made. Omega's preferred marketing strategy has been not-so-subtle, clearly orchestrating ' leaks' regarding watch releases, often with the involvement of the former himself and always to great effect. Given all of the elements at play here, Omega's choice of Taylor-Joy as its new ambassador feels a bit too coincidental. At least he wore a Speedmaster First Omega in Space, instead of a Seamaster, to throw everyone off the scent.
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
A-list star drops biggest hint yet he's replacing Daniel Craig as new James Bond
He's been the hot favourite to take over as James Bond for a while now, but has Aaron Taylor-Johnson just dropped the biggest hint yet? The Hollywood star, 34, has been backed by the bookies to star as 007 after Daniel Craig, 57, bowed out in 2021's No Time to Die. Other names to have floated around include Idris Elba, Theo James, Jack Lowden, and Stephen Graham, with James actually the new frontrunner following his latest underwear campaign. However, Godzilla star Taylor-Johnson is giving him a run for his money with what fans are convinced is confirmation of his signing. Taylor-Johnson has inked a deal with Omega, the watch brand that has long been providing accessories for the Bond franchise. Since 1995's GoldenEye, Omega watches have been seen on Bond's wrist, and now Taylor-Johnson's partnership has caught people's attention as somewhat of an Easter egg. Pierce Brosnan was the first Bond lead to wear an Omega watch, with the ambassadorship still going strong 30 years later, as Craig sported the brand's Seamaster watch during his last outing. After signing his own deal, Taylor-Johnson said: 'I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for Omega. 'Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' Omega's CEO also heaped praise on him, branding Taylor-Johnson a 'versatile actor with a range that covers action, thriller, romance, and much more'. That sounds like the perfect description of a James Bond actor if ever we heard one… And we aren't the only ones thinking it as, after Taylor-Johnson's new deal went public, fans took to Omega's Instagram comments in force. 'Do I hear the 007 theme? 😉🍸', teased @watchbie. 'Bro has to be the new James Bond at this point', declared @julianheusschen. 'Hello Mr. Bond, we have been expecting you', wrote @thatonebondguy. 'The biggest clue yet that he's going to be James Bond', added @charliesansom. When previously quizzed on the speculation that he's set to play the secret agent, Taylor-Johnson played coy. Speaking to Rolling Stone UK in March 2024, the Bullet Train star began: 'I can only really talk about the things I'm going to show and tell. So, The Fall Guy, Nosferatu, Kraven the Hunter… I'm here to promote those.' Theo James – 6/4 Henry Cavill – 3/1 Aaron Taylor-Johnson – 7/2 James Norton – 6/1 Jack Lowden – 12/1 Odds provided by Coral. 'I don't feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me,' he added. 'I feel like whatever's drawn out for me, I can f***in' do better.' More Trending Meanwhile, White Lotus star James, 40, recently soared up the odds, as his likelihood of playing Bond now sits at 6/4. The Gentleman actor has also played it cool when asked about the rumours, though, having told The Guardian last year that it 'probably wouldn't be [him]'. And so the mystery is likely to linger for a little longer, but with the announcement earlier this year that Amazon Prime had taken over 'creative control' of the Bond franchise, it seems the wheels are definitely in motion for something to happen… Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: James Bond actor Joe Don Baker dies aged 89 MORE: Former James Bond star Halle Berry delivers harsh verdict on female 007 MORE: Will Trump kill cinema's biggest upcoming releases? We talk to the experts
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘28 Years Later' New Trailer: 'There Are Many Kinds Of Death… And Some Are Better Than Others'
Here's the latest trailer for Danny Boyle's upcoming 28 Years Later. Previously shown to exhibition during Sony's CinemaCon presentation earlier this month, the new look offers more insight into what's in store for the next installment of the zombie thriller franchise. Check it out above. Written by Alex Garland and starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes, the story picks up nearly three decades after the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory in 28 Days Later. Now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. More from Deadline Sony's Short-Lived Control Of 'Jeopardy!' & 'Wheel Of Fortune' Over For Now As CBS Scores Appeal Court Win Sony's Affirm Films Dates 'Soul On Fire' Starring William H. Macy, John Corbett & Joel Courtney Alamo Drafthouse NYC Workers End Strike After Chain Offers To Reinstate Fired Staffers One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group (Taylor-Johnson) leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well. 'Once you walk onto that mainland, there's no rescues,' we hear as zombies are hunted and attack. Says Fiennes' Dr. Kelson ominously, 'There are many kinds of death… And some are better than others.' The first trailer, which dropped back in December and is the third most-watched horror trailer ever with 60.2 million views in its first 24 hours, had featured Taylor-Johnson's paternal figure guarding the green fields of England with a bow and arrow, accompanied by the unsettling sound of a Taylor Holmes recording of Rudyard Kipling's war poem 'Boots.' The poem also provides chilling background to the new trailer. 28 Years Later is set for domestic release on June 20. Producers are Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Boyle and Garland. 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy exec produces. Murphy does not appear in 28 Years Later, but is expected to turn up down the line. Said Boyle at CinemaCon, 'like all good things in life you may have to wait a while for him to make his appearance.' The second film in the newly revamped trilogy — 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple — will hit North American theaters on January 16, 2026. At CinemaCon, Boyle told the Las Vegas audience that he doesn't have finance for the third movie and urged exhibition to 'support the continuing apocalypse' so he 'might get to come back here with the third film.' Best of Deadline Which Colleen Hoover Books Are Becoming Movies? 'Verity,' 'Reminders Of Him' & 'Regretting You' Will Join 'It Ends With Us' Everything We Know About 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 So Far 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
