James Bond fans have threatened to stay away from the upcoming set of films in the franchise and made racist threats if Aaron Taylor-Johnson lands the role.
According to The Sun, a source said: “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back.
“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.”
However, the news of Taylor-Johnson possibly getting the role has come with a barrage of anti-Semitic comments on social media.
It began with the hashtag #BoycottJamesBond trending on X, with one user commenting: “Really bad timing with Israel committing genocide in Gaza. Shame on you. I hope your company collapses.”
“Boycott Bond, Free Palestine,” another added before a third said: “I won’t buy a ticket for any of its movies. Will boycott all of it.”
Bond fans have threatened to boycott the next movie
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A fourth claimed: “Was excited about the new Bond films but now I think I’ll just skip it… especially if that actor gets it.” (sic)
The Jewish star has been in the running for the role since 2022 after screen-testing for Bond supremo Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood Studios.
Taylor-Johnson has always been proud of his heritage – his mother Sarah is Jewish with a Russian ancestry – and previously said he enjoyed being compared to a fashionable Hasidic Jew.
In 2015, he said: “That was nice because I have really curly hair and also I’m Jewish.”
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is said to be taking over from Daniel Craig
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The Bullet Train star has reportedly signed on the dotted line after “endless discussions” with producers and studio executives.
Insiders claim that bosses have put Taylor-Johnson up for four films, with Broccoli not to be considering anyone else for the role.
They told the Daily Mail: “It is all in the details and agents and lawyers are going through all the red tape and how many movies Aaron will sign up for.
“It is currently looking to be a three-picture deal with the option of a fourth. They have done all the fittings, they have the haircut they have in mind for him, and he’s already in tremendous shape.
Bond fans have threatened to boycott the new films
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“Barbara Broccoli and the rest of the producers are going to make a huge deal out of the announcement.”
Whilst some fans were left disappointed in the rumours, many were thrilled that Taylor-Johnson would be the best fit for the role.