Aaron Taylor-Johnson Attends Dinosaur Premiere Amid James Bond Speculation

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the actor currently leading the race to become the next James Bond, made a striking yet understated appearance at the premiere of Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs in London on Tuesday. The event, held at King’s Cross’ new immersive venue Lightroom, showcased a collaboration with Apple TV+ that promises to transport audiences back 66 million years.

Sporting a thick brown beard, Taylor-Johnson’s look was a departure from the traditionally polished image of 007, fueling speculation about his potential transformation for the iconic role. The premiere was a star-studded affair, with notable attendees including Billie Piper, Damian Lewis, and Kate Garraway.

Immersive Dinosaur Experience

The event marked the debut of Lightroom’s family-friendly experience, which brings dinosaurs to life through cutting-edge projection technology, never-before-seen illustrations, and a score by Hans Zimmer. Damian Lewis, who narrates the experience, expressed his excitement about the project.

“Dinosaurs are one of those topics that holds timeless appeal for all sorts of audiences — there is such an incredible depth to this project both educationally and as a spectacular story to tell of the greatest creatures ever to walk on our planet,” said Lewis.

Guests were treated to a breathtaking journey through prehistoric landscapes, with life-size dinosaurs appearing to roam their natural habitats. The immersive space of Lightroom offers a unique opportunity to engage audiences in a way that traditional exhibits cannot.

James Bond Speculation

Amid the dinosaur spectacle, Taylor-Johnson’s presence was a reminder of the ongoing speculation about the next actor to take on the role of James Bond. Bookmaker Coral has positioned him as the 9-4 favorite, with other contenders like Jack Lowden and Theo James trailing behind.

Coral’s John Hill commented, “We’ve seen another strong wave of support behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson in our next James Bond betting.”

The race to replace Daniel Craig, who concluded his tenure as Bond with 2021’s No Time to Die, has been closely watched. The announcement of Denis Villeneuve as the director for the next Bond film has only heightened interest. Villeneuve, known for his work on the Dune adaptation, will bring his cinematic vision to the franchise.

Amazon’s Influence on the Bond Franchise

The Bond franchise has been under new stewardship since Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios in 2022. This move granted Amazon creative control over 007, a shift from the long-standing oversight by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The transition represents a significant change in the franchise’s management, with Villeneuve set to direct the upcoming film.

“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery,” Villeneuve shared in a statement.

Amazon’s influence is evident as they explore new filming locations, with Liverpool emerging as a potential setting due to a filming ban in Central London. This decision has sparked debate among Bond purists concerned about changes under Amazon’s leadership.

Looking Ahead

The anticipation surrounding both Taylor-Johnson’s potential casting and the next Bond film continues to build. With a release likely in 2026 or 2027, fans eagerly await further announcements. Meanwhile, the success of Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs adds another feather to Taylor-Johnson’s cap as he navigates his burgeoning career amidst the Bond buzz.