Aaron Taylor-Johnson: A Career Leading to 007
Aaron Taylor-Johnson may not bear the name “Taylor” anymore, having dropped his stepfather’s surname after his marriage to director Sam Taylor-Johnson in 2012. However, his journey in the world of acting aligns perfectly with the kind of actor who could potentially inherit the iconic James Bond mantle. Let’s take a chronological look at his rise to potential 007 status.
Early Life (1990-2001)
Aaron Johnson was born on June 13, 1990, in High Wycombe, England. From a young age, he developed a passion for acting and attended the Jackie Palmer Stage School in London to nurture his talent.
Building a Filmography (2001-2009)
At the age of 11, Aaron kickstarted his acting career with a small role in the British sitcom “Armageddon.” Throughout the following decade, he landed minor roles in various TV shows and movies, including “Oliver Twist” (2003) and “Shanghai Knights” (2003). He gained recognition for his portrayal of young Marcus Brewer in the 2007 biography “The Illusionist.”
Breakthrough with Kick-Ass (2010)
A turning point in Aaron’s career came with the superhero black comedy “Kick-Ass” (2010). He played the lead role of Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass, a teenager who becomes a real-life superhero despite lacking superpowers. The film’s success brought him wider recognition and established him as an action star.
Post-Kick-Ass Projects (2011-2014)
Following his breakthrough, Aaron continued to showcase his action chops in films like “Nowhere Boy” (2010), a biopic about John Lennon’s youth, and “Savages” (2012) alongside Blake Lively and John Travolta. He also demonstrated his dramatic acting range in “Anna Karenina” (2012) with Keira Knightley and Jude Law.
Joining the Big Leagues: Avengers and Beyond (2015-2021)
In 2015, Aaron stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Pietro Maximoff / Quicksilver in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Though his role was limited, it further cemented his status as a rising star. He explored diverse genres with films like the biographical thriller “Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals” (2016), the monster movie “Godzilla” (2014), and the biographical war drama “Outlaw King” (2018).
Recent Works and Bond Rumors (2022-2024)
In 2022, Aaron starred in action-packed films like “Bullet Train” alongside Brad Pitt and the biographical action comedy “Kraven the Hunter.” Rumors began swirling in December 2022 that he had secretly auditioned for the next James Bond role. Reports in March 2024 claim that he has been offered the part, potentially making him the youngest Bond ever at 33 years old.
Beyond the Filmography
Outside of his filmography, Aaron Taylor-Johnson married director Sam Taylor-Johnson in 2012. They have blended families with two daughters from Sam’s previous marriage and their own children. Aaron is known for his dedication to fitness and his close working relationship with his wife, who has directed him in several films.
This concise timeline highlights Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s career highlights. If you’d like to delve deeper into specific projects or aspects of his life, feel free to let me know! However, it’s important to note that his official casting as James Bond is not yet confirmed. News articles suggest that producers are enthusiastic and waiting for his decision. If he accepts, it would mark a significant shift for the franchise, with Taylor-Johnson being a younger choice compared to previous Bonds. Only time will tell if he dons the tuxedo and sips his martini “shaken, not stirred.”