Aaron Taylor-Johnson isn't becoming next James Bond, insider states

Speculation has mounted over who exactly will take over Daniel Craig as 007 - but insiders have ruled one actor out.

It's one of the best known roles in cinema, and it's now open for its next occupant since Craig's departure from the role in No Time to Die in 2021.

The movie's pretty final ending (spoiler alert) sees Craig's iteration of the character actually being killed off, the only time Bond has ever died on screen.

Craig starred in five films as Bond over a period of 16 years.

Recently there has been much speculation that the next actor to take on the role would be British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

The Sun reported that the actor, who appeared in the Kick-Ass films and Marvel Cinematic Universe, had actually been formally offered the job.

Responding to rumours that he was in the running for the role, he told Numero magazine he thought it was 'charming and wonderful that people see me in that role'.

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He added: "I take it as a great compliment."

Eon Productions, which makes the Bond movies, has said it will not comment on speculation about the next actor to take on the mantle.

However, a production insider reached out to BBC News and told the outlet that there is 'no truth to the rumours' that Taylor-Johnson has been formally offered the role.

But he's not the only actor who could be in the running to be the next Bond.

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Another bookies' favourite is Scottish actor Jack Lowden, who starred in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses alongside Gary Oldman.

For his part, Lowden didn't give anything away on the matter.

He told UNILAD: “I still really am not over the fact that Daniel Craig doesn't do it anymore.

“I think an older James Bond would be fantastic."

Two other bookies' favourites to take on the role is chain-wearing heart-throb and star of Normal People Paul Mescal.

Others include Dev Patel, as well as Tom Hardy.

Another is star of The Witcher and Superman Henry Cavill, who had actually had a very close call with the role during the last round of casting.

In the round of auditions which ultimately led to Craig being cast in the iconic role for Casino Royale, Cavill actually came down to the final two for the role.

While he may not have scored the role of Bond at the time, the auditions put Cavill on the radar of James Vaughn, the director of Man of Steel.

Swings and roundabouts!