A British actor has been tipped by bookmakers to become the next James Bond and replace Daniel Craig.
A large number of people have suddenly put money into the actor who will be Bond in the past day, according to lead bookmaker Coral.
The man in question is said to have done a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Bond boss Barbara Broccoli and impressed her and now the chances of him stepping into the role are 2-1.
It’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who recently seemed to be building up, perhaps for the role, after he was spotted with ripped abs for a role in Kraven The Hunter.
An insider told the Sun: ‘Aaron did a screen test to become the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the frontrunners.’
New role: A British star is ‘tipped to be the next James Bond’ by bookmakers after a spate of bets are placed on him within 24 hours (pictured – the latest Bond, Daniel Craig)
Behind 32-year-old Aaron are James Norton at 5-2, Henry Cavill at 3-1 and Tom Hardy and Richard Madden at 7-1.
Coral’s John Hill said: ‘There has been a wave of support behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson over the past 24 hours on our next James Bond bets.
“Obviously, gamblers have made up their minds about who they think should replace Daniel Craig.”
Daniel had decided to step down as Bond after starring in five films and tongues have been wagging ever since about who will replace him.
MailOnline reached out to a representative for Aaron for comment.
Earlier this year, Aaron’s physical transformation got him hired as the “face” of Calvin Klein underwear.
Taylor-Johnson’s friend Jamie Dornan, who herself was the face of Calvin Klein pants in 2014, wrote: ‘You really should have made yourself better for this. Did you forget or something?’
The Bond speculation comes after Aaron reportedly went through a secret audition and remains the star with the most votes for the role.
According to Puck New, Aaron sat down with producer Barbara Broccoli and sources said the meeting went “very well.”
007? Aaron Taylor-Johnson reportedly ‘tipped to be the next James Bond’ after impressing film executives during a screen test
Who are the runners and riders to become the next Bond?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson- 2-1
James Norton- 5-2
Henry Cavill- 3-1
Tom Hardy and Richard Madden – 7-1
Carrots for you! Fans have rooted for Henry Cavill, 40, to star as Bond
It was also reported in December that Aaron had shot scenes as a secret agent, filming the memorable “gun barrel teaser” images seen in the films over the years.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Aaron has impressed bosses so much that he filmed one of the franchise’s famous teaser scenes, something all the actors do. That step brings him one step closer to signing a deal.”
They added, “Bosses at the brand were really impressed with his unique blend of acting intensity and his impressive back catalog of action films.”
However, the source went on to say that nothing has been officially confirmed yet and it is unclear what the next steps might be.
Meanwhile, other fans have been calling for Henry Cavill, 40, to star as Bond – as he was previously considered and are hoping for a better outcome this time around.
According to the Mail On Sunday, Barbara has made it clear she wanted the next actor to play the character for 15 years, meaning the 30-year-old is the perfect age to step into the role.
The two British heartthrobs have been battling for victory – but there’s a new star entering the odd race for the 007 franchise.
Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu, 32, would be the third most chosen choice for James Bond as he threatens their lead.
Despite the possibility that Aaron is in the running for James Bond, he has previously downplayed the rumours.
Speak against Vanity purse in February he said, “It’s flattering. You can have something very positive (written about you), but you can also have something very negative that can circulate.
“You just want to stay in your lane, keep your feet on the ground, stay close to the people you love and love you back, and stay in that world. Because the moment you start believing what people say about you, you’ve gone crazy. You’ve lost it.’
Beloved: Aaron and his wife Sam, 55, gave a rare insight into family life in September when they shared a beautiful photo together… taken by their 10-year-old daughter Romy Hero
Aaron shot to fame after starring in Nowhere Boy, a 2009 John Lennon biopic.
The star is now married to the film’s director, Sam Taylor-Johnson and shares Romy Hero, 10, and Wylda Rae, 12, with her.
Filmmaker Sam also has two older daughters: Angelica, 25, and Jessie, 16.
The couple tied the knot in 2012 and welcomed their first child Wylda in 2010.
They had Romy two years later, while Sam has her two oldest daughters from her 11-year marriage to art dealer Jay Jopling, which ended in 2008.
Sam shared a love photo in June to celebrate ten years of marriage and called her husband Aaron “dad to all 4 girls.”
’10 Glorious Years. My incredible husband, father of all 4 girls. I love you, I love you, I love you. love conquers all,” she wrote.
Family: The couple, who have a 23-year age difference, are parents to Romy Hero, 10, 12-year-old Wylda Rae, while filmmaker Sam has two older daughters – Angelica, 25; and Jessie, 16 (pictured with Angelica and Jessie in 2011)
