The name’s Johnson… Taylor-Johnson: British actor Aaron ‘has been formally offered the chance to play James Bond and will sign contracts this WEEK’

‘The thing is, we had quite a psychic link when working together. I knew from a flicker of an eyelash what kind of performance I was going to get. I felt that link almost from day one of meeting him.’

The news about Aaron’s offer to play the world’s most famous spy comes after fans cast their votes to who they wanted in the role.

A study of 2,000 Brits by Lottoland, saw Idris come out on top, with some unconventional choices thrown into the mix, like Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren.

Bond is famed for turning those who play 007 into global superstars and the franchise isn’t shy of casting left-field stars to take on the role.

The late Sean Connery, one of the most recognisable Bonds, had only featured in a series of TV films when he accepted the role of the titular British spy in 1962’s Dr. No, catapulting him to international fame.

But while Idris was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor has ruled himself out several times and has even allegedly put forward a list of proposed names to play 007 instead.

Back in August 2022, it was reported he had walked away from ‘years of talks’ with movie bosses to take over the famous role.

And in February 2023, he insisted: ‘You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.’

Last summer, Idris admitted that he used to be ‘super complimented’ by the idea of playing Bond, saying it was the ‘pinnacle’.

But he told Variety that he became turned off, when ‘those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense and I got the brunt of it.’

Meanwhile, Michael Fassbender also ruled himself out, saying he thought a younger star should take on the role.

When asked by GQ magazine if he would be up for the part, the actor, 46, said: ‘To be honest, no.’

Riding high off his Oscar success, Cillian, 47, has been another popular choice for fans, but also doesn’t seem keen.

He told GQ: ‘It’s incredibly flattering to be in that conversation. I think it should be a woman [next].’

This week, another rumoured star, Theo James, called the prospect of taking on the huge role ‘terrifying’ and insisted there were ‘better people for the job’.

He told the Guardian: ‘Everyone’s interested in [me playing Bond] because it’s a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn’t be me.