Pierce Brosnan has thrown his weight behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a potential successor to the iconic James Bond role, suggesting the actor has both the talent and charisma needed for the part. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Brosnan, who himself portrayed Bond in four films, expressed his admiration for Taylor-Johnson, stating, "I think he would be very good." This endorsement comes at a time when Taylor-Johnson is reportedly on the cusp of officially accepting the role, with a formal offer from Eon Productions already on the table, according to a report from The Sun.
As of March 2025, a source revealed to The Sun that "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." Eon Productions is said to be preparing for a major announcement regarding the new Bond, anticipating Taylor-Johnson’s signature on the contract in the coming days.
Known for his role in the upcoming film Kraven: The Hunter, Taylor-Johnson has expressed his gratitude for the buzz surrounding his potential casting. "I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment," he stated. Brosnan, who worked with Taylor-Johnson on the film The Greatest, praised the younger actor’s passion and energy, saying, "This young man came on the set... He took the space, filled the space with passion and energy. So yeah, I think if he wished it, wanted it and got it, he would be great."
However, Taylor-Johnson is not the only name in the mix. At CinemaCon, director Danny Boyle hinted at the possibility of Taylor-Johnson stepping into the role, stating he "may or may not be the next Bond." Other actors mentioned as potential successors to Daniel Craig include Idris Elba, Dev Patel, Richard Madden, Paul Mescal, and Theo James. Interestingly, Brosnan himself has also been suggested as a possibility for a return to the role, although he believes it’s time for a new face. "I think it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood," he remarked.
In a parallel development, James Nelson-Joyce, a 36-year-old actor known for his role as Michael Kavanagh in the BBC drama This City Is Ours, has also emerged as a contender for the next Bond. His performance in the gritty series has garnered significant attention, prompting speculation about his suitability for the iconic role. Nelson-Joyce expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility, saying it would be a "privilege" to be the first-ever Scouse Bond. "I mean... double oh Scouse, I'm here for it," he quipped during a BBC interview.
Since the debut of This City Is Ours, the odds of Nelson-Joyce becoming Bond have dramatically shifted, moving from 25-1 to 6-1, according to Coral Bookmakers. John Hill from Coral noted, "James Nelson-Joyce has made a big impression on the new BBC crime drama series, This Is Our City." He is now in contention alongside other notable actors, including Theo James, Henry Cavill, and James Norton, in addition to Taylor-Johnson.
The BBC series follows a fictional Liverpool crime family, focusing on the crumbling criminal careers of Kavanagh and his partner, Diana Williams. The show has sparked considerable discussion since its launch last month, with Sean Bean portraying the crime kingpin Ronnie Phelan, whose retirement ignites a power struggle within the family.
While the speculation around the next Bond continues, it has also been confirmed that the character will remain male and either British or from the Commonwealth, following concerns about potential changes after Amazon's acquisition of the franchise. This has reassured fans who cherish the traditional elements of the Bond character.
James Nelson-Joyce has been acting for around 15 years and described the recent attention as "surreal." He has previously starred in various shows, including The Outlaws, Industry, The Gold, and A Town Called Malice. His breakout role came in the 2017 crime series Little Boy Blue, where he was encouraged by fellow actor Stephen Graham to pursue larger roles and was introduced to his agent.
Reflecting on his journey, Nelson-Joyce recalled a pivotal moment at Nando's where he met Graham. "I went over and said 'I'm a big fan, I've just left drama school and you've been really inspiring.' Three years later, when we sat down for the read-through of Little Boy Blue, Stephen was just looking at me and he mouthed 'you're that lad from Nando's,'" he shared.
As the race for the next Bond heats up, both Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Nelson-Joyce are poised as strong candidates, each bringing their unique flair to the table. Whether it will be Taylor-Johnson’s charm or Nelson-Joyce’s fresh perspective that ultimately prevails remains to be seen. Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, which could reshape the future of one of cinema’s most enduring characters.
