AARON Taylor-Johnson is a surprise frontrunner to become the next James Bond after he took part in a top- secret screen test.
He is a relative unknown compared with others tipped to replace Daniel Craig, who hung up his tux after five 007 films.
Brit actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a lead contender for the coveted role of James Bond
But sources say Aaron, who starred in the Kick-Ass films, Avengers: Age of Ultron and 2014’s Godzilla, impressed Bond franchise boss Barbara Broccoli in his trial at Pinewood Studios.
One insider said: “Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him.
“He is now one of the front-runners.”
Aaron, 32, from High Wycombe, Bucks, got his break-through in 2009 John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy — later marrying the film’s director Sam Taylor-Johnson, 55.
Speculation about Craig’s successor has been rife, with Tom Hardy, James Norton and Idris Elba among those said to be in the frame.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson career debut came in the 2001 series Armadillo and the young star went on to feature in hit TV shows like The Bill and Casualty.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson featured in the Kick-Ass films as well as Godzilla
