David Leitch
(Image: ANP)
Everything indicates that Aaron-Taylor Johnson will become the next James Bond. Now a director has also presented himself: one John Wickveteran and Deadpool 2 director who knows Johnson like no other.
After years of speculation, rumors and interim results from betting shops, The Sun says it knows for sure: Bullet Trainstar Aaron-Taylor Johnson is the new James Bond. Daniel Craig’s successor. Contractual matters would be the only remaining hurdle, with a new 007 film planned for perhaps even late next year.
David Leitch x Aaron Taylor Johnson
The Sun is a tabloid with a less-than-stellar reputation, but its news has since been highlighted by numerous other sources. Moreover, the 33-year-old actor has consistently been the favorite over the past two years. A French juice channel was already talking about secret auditions with the producers behind the franchise during the pandemic.
While we await an official announcement, a potential director for Aaron-Taylor’s debut as James Bond has already been announced. Not Christopher Nolan, but David Leitch would like to give a modern twist to the franchise. A reunion, because the John Wickdirector previously worked with the British actor for the action film Bullet Train.
The new James Bond
Leitch started out as a stunt coordinator for the Wick franchise, but has since made a name for himself as a director of action films. Deadpool 2, Violent Night and thus Bullet Train. The acclaimed action comedy will be released soon The Fall Guy at, starring Ryan Gosling and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
During a promotional tour for that film, a CinemaBlend journalist asked the former stuntman about the news about Aaron-Taylor Johnson and James Bond. Leitch’s answer is more than clear: “He would make a great James Bond. I just never got enough action with Aaron, which is absurd. We have Bullet Train done and now we have The Fall Guy done. What I really want to do is an action movie with him, because he’s such an incredible athlete. Aaron is great. So maybe we’ll get that chance soon and I’ll get to direct Bond.”
Less absurd than you think
So the best man offers himself. The idea of Leitch as a Bond director may sound absurd in the context of Daniel Craig’s film adventures, but that’s the whole point: the 007 producers reportedly want to ensure that the new Bond contrasts with Craig’s era.
Since Casino Royale James Bond is a lot more serious and more grounded. The spectacular and comic sauce of films like John Wick and Bullet Train could be the perfect ingredient for that. Sources around the mega franchise also confirm that they want to move more towards Brosnan’s looser James Bond. Moreover, David Leitch knows better than anyone how to create a great action scene.
Anyway. The former stuntman can join a long line of big names who would like to work on the James Bond franchise. For now, it simply remains a matter of waiting. In the meantime, you can Bullet Train stream on Prime Video or check out Guy Ritchie’s new James Bond war film.
