The world of James Bond is always shrouded in mystery, and the selection of the next 007 is no exception. Recent Vegas odds have placed Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the frontrunner, igniting fervent speculation among fans. However, industry insiders are pumping the brakes, suggesting that the race is far from over. This article delves into the rumors, the odds, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that may influence who ultimately steps into Bond’s iconic shoes.
With Daniel Craig’s departure, the hunt for a new Bond has captivated audiences worldwide. Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s name has consistently surfaced, fueled by alleged screen tests and endorsements. But do these rumors hold water? Are the Vegas odds a reliable indicator, or are they merely a reflection of savvy PR campaigns? This article aims to uncover the truth, providing a balanced perspective on Taylor-Johnson’s chances and the broader landscape of potential candidates.
Vegas Odds: Aaron Taylor-Johnson the Favorite?
According to VegasInsider, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the favorite to become the next James Bond, with odds hovering around 2.4-to-1. This makes him the clear frontrunner, at least in the eyes of oddsmakers. However, it’s crucial to understand that these odds are based on betting patterns and insider information, which may not always be accurate.
While the Vegas odds paint a promising picture for Taylor-Johnson, industry sources caution against placing too much faith in them. As one insider notes, “the game hasn’t really begun — the cards haven’t even been dealt.” This suggests that the odds may be influenced by factors other than Taylor-Johnson’s actual prospects, such as media hype and strategic leaks.
The Sun Report: Fueling the Fire
Much of the speculation surrounding Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s potential Bond casting can be traced back to reports in The Sun. The tabloid has consistently touted him as the next Bond since Daniel Craig’s departure, citing unnamed “insiders” who claim Taylor-Johnson impressed producer Barbara Broccoli during a “top-secret screen test” in late 2022.
However, these reports should be taken with a grain of salt. According to industry insiders, Bond screen tests are tightly controlled events that typically involve a scene from From Russia With Love and don’t occur until a director is on board. Since there was no director in 2022, the alleged screen test seems unlikely. Furthermore, even if Taylor-Johnson did impress Broccoli, the franchise was sold to Amazon earlier this year, meaning Amy Pascal now has a significant say in casting decisions.
Omega Ambassadorship: A Sign or a Coincidence?
In May, Aaron Taylor-Johnson became a global ambassador for Omega, the official Bond timepiece. This led some to believe that he had already secured the role, as it would be a natural fit for Bond to promote the brand. However, this connection may be tenuous. As the original article points out, past Omega ambassadors like Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, and Zoë Kravitz haven’t necessarily been in the running for Bond.
While the Omega ambassadorship may be a positive sign for Taylor-Johnson, it shouldn’t be interpreted as definitive proof that he’s the next Bond. Many factors go into casting decisions, and endorsement deals are often unrelated to acting roles.
Wanting It Too Much: A Potential Pitfall
According to one insider, actively pursuing the role of James Bond can backfire. “The more you push for the role, the more it can backfire. Wanting it too much can be the best way not to get it.” This suggests that Taylor-Johnson’s alleged efforts to secure the role may be working against him.
The Bond producers are known for their meticulous selection process, and they may be wary of candidates who appear overly eager or self-promotional. A certain level of mystery and intrigue is essential for the character, and a candidate who is too transparent may not fit the bill.
The RealReal Robbery Was Really Real. But SMPD Says Nothing to See Here
Times are so tough these days, even the criminals are thrifting.
On July 18, in the latest affront to Santa Monica, more than a dozen masked marauders stormed the RealReal secondhand luxury boutique on 26th Street — near the Brentwood border — where celebrities from Kim Kardashian and Julianne Moore to Parker Posey and Kate Moss are said to unload their no-longer-needed Hermès, Cartier and Rolex accessories. It was a brazen, broad-daylight smash-and-grab: Surveillance cameras captured the crew looting high-end resale items and loading them into getaway cars with the license plates removed.
This marks the third flash-mob-style hit on the same store in three years — but unlike the previous break-ins, no arrests have yet been made. In fact, investigators are now looking into whether the crew might be linked to a similar gang that hit an Anaheim jeweler just one day earlier. In that case, thieves wielding hammers and pickaxes were chased off when the store owner fired a warning shot.
A Jaw-Dropping Screening at Comic-Con … Literally
For once, the most talked-about title at San Diego’s wasn’t a Marvel or DC tentpole — it was a dystopian horror story so graphically violent, organizers literally covered it up.
The 6,500 attendees who turned out to see footage of The Long Walk, Lionsgate’s adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel about 100 teenage boys forced to compete in a deadly endurance challenge — walk 3 miles an hour or be executed — were shown 20 minutes of the movie. But what they didn’t get to see — because it was blacked out on the screen — was a particularly brutal moment in which a young man’s jaw is blown off by a bullet.
“Fans will get a lot out of it when they see it in theaters,” was about all Garrett Wareing, who plays one of the contestants, would say about the cover-up while speaking to Rambling after the screening.
From the sound of it, shooting the film— directed by Hunger Games alum Francis Lawrence — was almost as brutal as what ended up in the can. The young cast walked miles daily, developing real blisters and bruises. “At some points, we’re not acting,” Wareing confesses. “Those limps you see? Those are real limps.” He recalls one co-star pausing because he thought he had something in his shoe. “He pulls off his Converse, and his socks were just filled with blood,” Wareing says. “I would sit down on the hot road [between takes] and be like, ‘God, this is what peace feels like.’ I never thought asphalt would be so comfortable.”
Conclusion: The Next Bond Remains a Mystery
While Vegas odds may favor Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the next James Bond, it’s essential to consider the information from industry insiders and the broader context of the casting process. The reports from The Sun, the Omega ambassadorship, and the potential pitfalls of wanting the role too much all contribute to a complex and uncertain situation.
Ultimately, the decision of who will become the next James Bond rests with the producers, and they will undoubtedly weigh a variety of factors before making their choice. For now, the rumors and speculation will continue to swirl, keeping fans guessing until the official announcement is made.
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