Former ‘James Bond’ actor throws support behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson — on 1 condition
From one 007 to the next.
Former James Bond actor George Lazenby is throwing support behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The British actor is rumored to be taking over the role from Daniel Craig, who portrayed the spy for 15 years.
Lazenby, 84, reportedly told TMZ that Taylor-Johnson, 33, “can handle the stunts, and all the ladies who love a man in a tux.”
Aussie actor Lazenby, who starred as the famed spy in the 1969 film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” revealed that while the “Avengers: Age of Ultron” star had not been formally offered the role, he would be happy to support him provided he could “do the character justice.”
Last week, the Sun reported that Taylor-Johnson was offered the role of the international secret agent and was expected to sign the contract very soon.
“Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it,” an insider told the outlet. “The formal offer is on the table, and they are waiting to hear back.”
According to Eon Productions, the British company associated with all of the Bond films, they expect to start shooting the movie later this year.
“As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days, and they can start preparing for the big announcement,” the source added.
It was reported in 2022 that the “Tenet” star had undergone a screen test for the Bond franchise.
“I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment,” Taylor-Johnson told reporters last week.
A source noted that Taylor-Johnson “may not be the best-known in his field, but he is an incredibly talented actor,” and “his role in ‘Nocturnal Animals’ showed his depth as an actor.”
“He is the perfect person to play Bond and will pick up well from where Daniel left off,” the insider added.
Taylor-Johnson is best known for “Kick-Ass,” “Anna Karenina,” “Bullet Train” and “Godzilla.”
Up next, he will appear with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in “The Fall Guy.”
Others who’ve been rumored to be in the Bond running include Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill.
The Post reached out to Taylor-Johnson for comment.
Should the “Bullet Train” star choose to accept his mission, he would join a rather illustrious group of actors who have played the debonair MI6 agent.
The franchise, created by the late British author Ian Fleming, met its first 007 in 1962 when Sean Connery donned the tuxedo in “Dr. No” and continued portraying the agent until 1967’s “You Only Live Twice.”
Connery, who died in 2020 at age 90, later passed the reins to Lazenby for his only Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”
The “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” star later came back for one last hurrah in 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever” before handing the role over to Roger Moore, who portrayed Bond from 1973 to 1985.
Taking up the tux for a brief stint following Moore was Timothy Dalton, who saved the day in 1987’s “The Living Daylights” and 1989’s “Licence To Kill.”
Pierce Brosnan stepped into the role in 1995’s “GoldenEye” through 2002’s “Die Another Day.”
A few years later, Craig, 56, took over the rebooted franchise and starred in five films: “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre” and “No Time To Die.”
