Aaron Taylor Johnson fuels rumours he's the next James Bond as he awkwardly swerves question at 28 days later premiere
AARON Taylor Johnson has fuelled rumours he's the next James Bond after awkwardly swerving the question on the red carpet.
The Kick-Ass actor, 35, appeared at the world premiere of 28 Years Later in London on Wednesday.
6
Aaron Taylor Johnson has swerved a question about his next project
Credit: Splash
6
Aaron with wife Sam Taylor-Johnson at the premiere of 28 Years Later
Credit: Splash
6
Daniel Craig was the last 007
Credit: Rex
When asked by a Deadline reporter: "What are you doing next?"
He replied: "I can't talk about it," before being swiftly ushered away by his entourage.
The Sun revealed in March that Aarron had been formerly offered the role and James Bond bosses were waiting for his decision.
We also first revealed in 2022 that the Marvel actor had emerged as a surprise frontrunner.
READ MORE ON JAMES BOND
Aaron made a name for himself in 2010's Kick-Ass.
He then landed the role of Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Eon Productions, which makes the spy thriller films, is on course to start shooting this year.
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.
Most read in TV
'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.'
The next Bond movie had been delayed because of last year's Hollywood strikes.
James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress
But insiders confirmed a script was now being worked on, with production scheduled to take place at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.
Aaron was in the running for the top job alongside actors including Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and
Speculation intensified in May when Aaron signed a deal with luxury watchmaker Omega - the official timepiece brand of the Bond franchise for three decades.
Aaron, who is from High Wycombe, Bucks, secretly screen tested for Bond movie supremo Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood Studios in 2022.
When asked earlier this year whether he would step into Bond's shoes, Aaron said: 'I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role.
"I take it as a great compliment.'
Bridgerton star Jonathan
Jonathan joined Scott Mills on Radio 2 to celebrate the release of the Jurassic World Rebirth film, which stars the actor.
And they ended up discussing rumours that Jonathan is a contender to be the next James Bond.
Scott said to the star: 'It's an obvious question, but I'm going to be honest with you, it's the one people are asking the most, so I'm going to ask it. Do you, or would you be, James Bond?'
Jonathan playfully replied with: 'Scott, how dare you!' to which Scott clarified: 'It's not me, it's the listeners and there are thousands.'
The actor managed to somehow sidestep the question, responding: 'I mean, that's an amazingly flattering ask. I could imagine you as James Bond, Scott.'
And Scott was quick to pick up on the change of direction, saying: 'Well, swerved, because that's not true. But, I mean, we know you could do it, but you'd want to do it?'
Jonathan seemed to be more open to replying, as he said: 'I don't...I am not sure... I don't know. I really, honestly, I mean... it would be hard to say no, but I know that it's going to be exciting whatever they do.'
Leaving Scott to reply: 'Thank you for answering that, because it was the most popular question. And I'll be honest, I almost ran away from you a bit like you did with Steven Spielberg, before I asked, but I'm glad I did. Thank you very much.'
6
Aaron and Brad Pitt starred together in 2022's Bullet Train
Credit: Rex Features
6
He then landed the role of Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Credit: Rex Features
6
Aaron made a name for himself in 2010's Kick-Ass
Credit: Alamy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
43 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Aaron Taylor-Johnson's controversial marriage… and how it survived ‘grooming claims' and vile stepdaughter slurs
SHE'S been labelled a 'cradle-snatcher', 'sexual deviant' and even a 'groomer' - while he has been accused of having 'complex mother issues'. Yet stepping out on the red carpet in London earlier this week for the world premiere of his new film 28 Years Later, 16 Posing together this week at the 28 Years Later premiere in London, Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson looked loved up ahead of celebrating their 13th anniversary on Saturday Credit: Getty 16 The couple started dating in 2009, when Aaron was still a teenager Credit: Getty 16 The couple have been subjected to vile slurs and 'grooming' accusations Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson From where they're standing, they've proved the critics wrong. Tomorrow marks their But it's even more startling considering the never-ending noise surrounding their age-gap romance, and its very unconventional beginning. They first met in 2008, when Aaron, then just 18, was cast in the role of a teenage John Lennon in Sam's directorial debut Filmmaker and double cancer survivor Sam was 41, more than double his age, and had two daughters with her ex-husband, the art dealer Jay Jopling - to whom she was married for 11 years before they 'amicably' split in 2008. While seemingly worlds apart, the pair connected and reportedly got together upon completing their film . As Sam told Harper's Bazaar in 2019, 'We were very professional through the entire film… But everyone on set knew. 'And as soon as we finished, he told me he was going to marry me. We had never been on a date, or even kissed.' She was quick to stress the fact that he pursued her, seemingly trying - and failing - to squash the 'granny groomer' accusations swiftly lobbed in her direction. Filming concluded in March and, by June - when Aaron turned 19 - they were stepping out together on date nights. Neither confirmed a romance, but the PDAs did the talking. By their film's premiere in October 2009 they were officially a couple. Walking the red carpet arm-in-arm - Sam in a glitzy gold dress and Aaron in a tux - they started as they meant to go on: loud and unapologetic. Needless to say, the reaction was deafening. Comments from the time included: 'She looks like his mum!' and 'How can she do this to him? He's only a child who barely knows his own mind yet.' Double standards Some were also quick to point out that any positive reactions would have been very different were things the other way around. Sam wasn't just more than two decades older than Aaron. She was also wealthier, more established and - with friends like artist What's more, as the director of his breakout movie, she was effectively his boss. But despite the cascade of 'casting couch' accusations, the couple remained defiant - and a year after they met, Critics loudly declared it wouldn't last, with one commenter suggesting: 'Let's see how long he sticks around if he makes it big.' 16 The couple first met on the set of Nowhere Boy, in which a then 18-year-old Aaron played John Lennon Credit: Alamy 16 The couple went official at the Nowhere Boy premiere in October 2009 Credit: PA:Press Association 16 Sam received her OBE in 2011 with Aaron and daughters Angelica and Jessie Phoenix by her side Credit: Getty 16 Sam shares her two elder daughters with ex-husband Jay Jopling Credit: Getty Another scoffed: 'I give it three months.' By 2010 they'd welcomed their first child together - daughter Wylda Rae, now 14 - and second daughter Romy followed in January 2012. They married five months later at Babington House in Somerset - a lavish do attended by Beyonce and Elton John - and combined their surnames. They now live down the road in a £1.85m farmhouse in Bruton. Aaron claimed he wasn't nervous about fatherhood as he'd already settled into the role of stepdad to Sam's two daughters - Angelica, now 28, and Jessie Phoenix, now 18 - despite the fact that Angelica was only six years his junior. He's made a point of stating he considers them both his own daughters, affectionately calling Jessie his 'babygirl' in an Instagram caption last year to mark her 18th birthday. Obviously any suggestion he's anything more than a loving stepfather is unfounded - which is why the latest slew of rumours surrounding Aaron and his stepdaughter must have stung. Last December Aaron and Sam were joined by Angelica and Jessie Phoenix on the red carpet for the premiere of his movie Kraven The Hunter. 16 Aaron wished his stepdaughter Jessie Phoenix happy birthday last year Credit: Instagram@/aarontaylorjohnson 16 Attending the Kraven The Hunter premiere last December with elder daughters Angelica and Jessie Phoenix - in a photo op that sparked controversy Credit: Getty 16 The couple still collaborate on projects - like their 2019 film A Million Little Pieces Credit: Getty Images - Getty Posing for the cameras, Aaron put his arm around Jessie Phoenix and gave her a reassuring stroke on the back. The candid moment - a fatherly gesture no doubt intended to reassure the camera-shy teenager - was catnip to twisted internet trolls who branded the it 'disgusting', while TikTok lit up with clips of the moment. Wild conspiracy theories of an illicit affair flooded the comments, with one commenter questioning: 'Are they flirting?' and another writing: 'What if being with the grandma is all a show and he's with her daughter?' A third added: 'If I didn't know their story, I would think that was his girlfriend.' Unsurprisingly the couple, nor their children, dignified the ludicrous furore with a response. Their reaction was the same when, two years ago, vicious rumours swirled that Aaron had an affair with his much younger Bullet Train co-star Joey King, 25. I much prefer being a parent to working. Doesn't everybody? Aaron Taylor-Johnson In his early 20s, father-of-four Aaron claimed he was just as happy playing a stay-at-home dad as he was leading blockbuster films. His early roles in their relationship included Kick Ass, Savages, Anna Karenina and Godzilla. When Sam won the highly-contested directing gig for Fifty Shades of Grey in 2015, he took time off to man the fort at home. As he later told The Post, 'I much prefer being a parent to working. Doesn't everybody? The best time I have is with my kids, experiencing their growth and their life with them. I think it's important to have time to enjoy that.' As for Sam, she paid tribute to him while promoting the film, saying, "Being in an amazing relationship, having come out of a difficult one, it felt so good [that he stayed at home while she worked]. 'And I feel like that stability has enabled me to get on with doing this momentous project." She then returned the favour, enabling him to star in 2016's Nocturnal Animals to rave reviews and a Paying tribute to his beloved in his speech, he said: "I want to thank my wife for being there with me, supporting me through this. 'Thank you for putting up with me. Jesus, that was not very pleasant in this role, so you're my soulmate and I love you very much… I'm blessed. I have four beautiful daughters: Anjelica, Phoenix, Wylda, and Romy, I love you all very much." Sam has described Aaron as an old soul in a younger man's body, and claims their strong union has come from their ability to ignore the uproar. 16 The couple have been inseparable since the day they met Credit: Getty - Contributor 16 They still post loved-up snaps together Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson 16 Sam's ex Jay Jopling, now 62, had a fling with Lily Allen, now 40, when she was 23 Credit: Big Pictures In 2017, she said: 'If I gave a second thought to other people, I would be the unhappiest person, probably still in a miserable marriage . 'People like to talk about [the age gap]. I'm like, 'Yeah, but it works better than my last marriage'. It's lasted longer than a lot of my friends' marriages.' Ironically, months before she and Aaron went public, her ex Jay Jopling was embroiled in his own age-gap romance when he was pictured kissing a then Caribbean . The fling fizzled out quickly, but he was never tarnished with the same 'groomer' label as Sam. Power play Speaking in 2023, Amelia Kelley, a trauma-informed therapist, told Business Insider that criticism surrounding the Taylor-Johnsons was blatant misogyny. "When we see an older woman with a younger man, it underscores that the woman isn't as young as we think they should be,' she said. 'That could be uncomfortable for someone to see.' Yet Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor of psychology at John Jay College in New York , argued against the gendered critique, suggesting it was Sam who could have abused her position of power . "The person who is older tends to be a person who has more power or more experience,' she said. 'They often will select individuals who are younger and more inexperienced because they're more vulnerable. And that creates an unequal power dynamic." Aaron's still surprised by the furore and frenzy his age-gap romance stirs up. 16 The happy couple renewed their vows in 2022 Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson 16 They also have matching tattoos of each other's names Credit: Instagram/@_dr_woo_ Speaking last year to Rolling Stone, he said, 'What you gotta realise is that what most people were doing in their twenties, I was doing when I was 13. 'You're doing something too quickly for someone else? I don't understand that. What speed are you supposed to enjoy life at? It's bizarre to me." General consensus is that Aaron wasn't seeking a mummy figure because of any maternal hole in his life. He's in fact remained incredibly close to his own mother, Sarah, who accompanied him to film sets throughout his young career, taught him 'how to be a man' and has played an active role in raising her grandchildren. As for his early dating life there's no sign of any prior 'older woman fetish', with previous flings including actresses Likewise, it doesn't seem like Sam was simply looking for someone to baby or boss around. She may be a bigwig director, but she's just as happy sharing the spotlight with her incredibly successful, increasingly handsome younger husband. Aaron's role in Danny Boyle's latest epic promises to strengthen his position as one of the UK's most successful actors on both sides of the pond - while whispers that he's As the couple hit the red carpet this week, now aged 35 and 58 respectively, one cynic wrote, 'son and great-grandma', while another commented, 'She really got her claws in deep, that one.' But refreshingly, many comments now celebrate the pair, with one writing: 'Good on them for proving haters wrong.' Another added: 'Age is just a number when you love each other as this couple obviously do.' It's safe to say they'll never stop courting controversy - as every time they step out together, the public are reminded of how it all began. But over a decade later, the Taylor-Johnsons continue to put two fingers up to their doubters. 16 They've been inseparable since day one - despite the trolling Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver gives health update after quitting ITV soap – and reveals TV and Loose Women future
CORONATION Street legend Sue Cleaver has given fans a fresh health update after quitting the ITV soap after 25 years. The actress, who played telly favourite Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, Advertisement 7 Coronation Street's Sue Cleaver has opened up about her health in a new interview Credit: Rex 7 The Loose Women star admitted she felt 'faint' at times while filming the show Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 7 Sue said she has taken control of her life again with the use of Dexcom Credit: Dexcom 7 Sue said she is chuffed with her Corrie legacy as the star exited the soap after 25 years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Behind-the-scenes, Sue, 61, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes over 20 years ago, and while she's known for her strength on screen, the star admitted at times she'd feel faint while filming. But the star has now revealed that the use of Dexcom , a continuous glucose monitor , has helped give her back control of her life. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Sue said: "I think there is a lot of misunderstanding around diabetes, people tell you can't eat chocolate or sugar - but where I struggle with my diabetes is when I'm about to go on stage or when I'm about to go on Loose Women or live shows. "Before I go on I'd have to prick my finger and check if my sugar is stable enough to get me to the interval or do I need to eat." Advertisement READ MORE ON CORONATION STREET Sue admitted there has been times that she's felt "faint" on screen. "If I'm about to go on stage or live shows and I don't know if I'm going to make it if my sugars aren't stable enough, and I don't have time to prick my finger, you tend to think 'let me eat this thing now' and then you tend to feel the effects of it later or the middle of the show. "But with Dexcom, I just have to look at my phone and see my sugar levels, it takes all of the worry out of it." TV FUTURE After quitting the soap, Sue has now also revealed what her future TV career plans include and whether or not she'll join a rival soap. Advertisement Most read in News TV She told us: "I'm chuffed with my Coronation Street legacy, they gave me a wonderful send off and the ending that I asked for and I wanted Eileen's exit to mirror what I feel I'm doing and what I want other women to do - to live fearlessly, don't let fear hold you back, be who you want to be. "It's never too late to try something new, that's what I wanted for her, this realisation for her to go 'hang on a minute, I don't have to stay, I can do something completely different, all it takes is courage. Coronation Street's Eileen Grimshaw waves goodbye to the cobbles after 25 years "I think people forget that you either have courage or you don't, courage is a muscle, start really small and put yourself our of your comfort zone for a couple of minutes a day, enquire about book club or evening class, because that muscle really does." Sue said her final scenes "brought a tear to her eye" as she saw a row of taxis lined up down the street, with her character having worked at StreetCars taxi firm during her time on the soap. Advertisement "There were moments when I had a little wave of emotion, we filmed the final scene on a Thursday and we went out for dinner and I came back on the Friday to do some other scenes and at the end of that it was really weird feeling, but it felt right." The TV star admitted she now has the "freedom" to explore other passion projects after spending over two decades at ITV. She said: "It was the right time for me to go, the door is still open, my hearts there, my husband still works there, I still see them all. "But for now, it's absolutely the right thing, it's time for me to have some freedom, to not be committed to things, to do passion projects, which is why I'm going back to the theatre . Advertisement "I love doing Loose Women, there are other things I want to do and there is a lot more of the world I want to see." Although Sue has the freedom to join other soaps , she admitted her loyalties still lie with Corrie, saying: "I don't think so at this stage, I think I'm very committed to Corrie and Corrie has been very committed to me. "I've been incredibly fortunate and it gave me the opportunity that not many actresses have, to be at home, to be there for my son in the morning and put him to bed at night and to have a proper home life, whereas normally you have to go where the work is. "I've been extremely fortunate, it's not lost on me how lucky I've been, it has a big place in my heart." Advertisement SUE'S DECISION TO LEAVE Soap fans were devastated after it was announced that matriarch She said: "Weirdly enough I remember quite a long time before it came out that Helen was going, she rang me and said 'I just wanted to ring and tell you I'm leaving', and I went 'Helen, I just want to tell you I'm leaving as well'." A number of stars on the soap have been axed over the last few years amid budget cuts. However, Sue, who starred on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2022, admitted she left the soap on her terms and had made the decision years ago. Advertisement "I made the decision to leave when I went and did the jungle, I'd known for a while, it had been a while in the planning," she said. HEALTH UPDATE Sue has opened up about wearing the Dexcom ONE+, a continuous glucose monitor that helps track her glucose levels to manage her Type 2 diabetes. Sue said: "Dexcom has made a big difference in my life, having diabetes and having decision fatigue - it can be a mental marathon all the time. "Diabetes is lifelong and the management is lifelong and you do get tired thinking about what you can eat and what impact it's going to have. Advertisement "What I love about Dexcom, it helps me see how my body is reacting to stress, food in real time. It stops me needing to guess but it tracks all the trends . Dexcom is a small, fast and easy to use, helping to simplify diabetes management for those with Type 2. Dexcom's new State of Type 2 Report - which looked at patients and doctors in the UK and other key European cities - discovered 72% of those living with Type 2 Diabetes believe that using a CGM device helps to improve their lives, a further 74% believe that it would also reduce the risk of complications. EXIT STORYLINE Sue said she told ITV bosses that she wanted her on-screen son Ryan Thomas to return as part of her exit storyline. Advertisement She said: "I asked for Ryan to come back, I rang him even before I rang Corrie to let him know I was leaving. I told him not to say anything and asked him to come back and he went 'I'd have to for my mother'. They asked me what plan of exit I'd like and I said I want Eileen to go off to Thailand to start her new life and Ryan to come back and take me." The theatre star said she now has the freedom work on various other projects after dedicating over two decades to the soap. "I won't miss being tied to people, I'm really enjoying my freedom and getting up in the morning and going to the gym and deciding what to do with my day," she continued. "Everything I do now are passion projects like going back to the theatre. Advertisement "I've got so much going on at the minute." Although Sue is no long on Corrie, she has her hands full with other TV jobs including being a panelist on Loose Women. But the star firmly hit back at rumours that the panel is feuding. Sue said: "I love it. I've known the girls for years, it's such a fun thing to do. It's that typical thing, Denise and I will disagree with something on the show, we're great mates, we've known each other for 26 years but then there are rumours that they've fallen out, we've not fallen out over anything. Advertisement "People don't say that when you see Match of the Day, can we not please move on. "It is one big family and a huge amount of loyalty. We're very honest and brave and we put ourselves out there and in order to do that we have to feel very safe. "We don't wear our heart on our sleeve and talk about things like that when you don't feel safe. "There aren't clashes, we're making our programme and doing our job - it's just different opinions, we're not falling out with each other. I get on with everybody, I love them all. It's just really nice ." Advertisement Last month it was announced that . Speaking about her Loose Women future, Sue said: "Nobody knows what's happening in TV, I'm just getting on with what I'm doing in my life and I'm just enjoying it. "I've had a great time on it, I've had a great ride, I don't know what will happen in the future - I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow or the next hour." 7 Sue has hit back at rumours that the Loose Women panel is feuding Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement 7 The actress revealed the moment she knew she wanted to leave the soap Credit: ITV 7 Sue said she now has the 'freedom' to work on passion projects after over two decades on the soap Credit: Getty
Extra.ie
3 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Iconic blockbuster movie JAWS is 50
What age were you when you first heard that immortal phrase, 'I think you're gonna need a bigger boat?' That line has become one of the most recognisable quotes from the summer blockbuster movie JAWS and recalls the moment when Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) first spots the gigantic shark behind the boat. The line as been quoted and misquoted countless times and even ranks 35th on 'AFI's List' of the top 100 movie quotes. Jaws. Pic: Universal/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock The Steven Spielberg directed blockbuster first opened in cinemas on June 20th, 1975, hard to believe it was that long ago, and it still stands as one of the most popular movies of all time. Actor Richard Dreyfuss, who played Hooper in the movie, admitted that Jaws left him with a lasting fear of the ocean, to the point where he still avoids walking into the sea from a beach. Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss in Jaws. Pic: Everett/REX/Shutterstock The movie is said to have put the fear of God into audiences and caused many people to develop a lifelong fear of being in deep water. The movie also marked a turning point in both the history of cinema and public perception of sharks. A crowd of people running out of the water on the set of Jaws. Pic: Glasshouse Images/REX/Shutterstock JAWS will bring back many memories for movie goers of a certain age and will no doubt make many feel older than they would care to admit, when you remember exactly where you were when that giant shark attacked on the big screen, 50 years ago this summer.
