Oscar-nominated star named ‘favorite to become next James Bond as film bosses eye TWO actors for next film in 007 franchise’

Paul Mescal is reportedly in talks to play a young James Bond in the next film from the 007 franchise.

It is said that movie bosses are lining up two actors to play the spy, one older and one younger.

And rumors are now swirling that 27-year-old Paul could be in the running to take on the big film role. The sun on Sunday.

Irish star Paul, who shot to fame in BBC Three’s romantic drama Normal People in 2020, told the story Digital spy that year: ‘Would I play Bond? Yes?

‘Don’t know. If it ever came my way, we would talk about it.”

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Paul for comment.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was named the big favorite to become the next James Bond in October.

Ever since Daniel Craig left the role of 007 after five films and made his Bond swan song in 2021’s No Time To Die, rumors have swirled about which suave star will replace the icon.

An insider revealed to MailOnline that the British Aaron actor, 33, was extremely close to landing the role, while Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, 53, would likely direct the next film in the franchise.

The insider said: ‘Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the hot favorite to step into the iconic role. He’s Barbara Broccoli’s first choice – he’s the one to beat.”

They added of Christopher: “He is extremely interested in doing something completely different with the franchise. If he can get his way with producers, he’s all for it.’

It was previously reported that Christopher wanted to direct the next Bond film as a period piece set in the same as the original source material – something director Quentin Tarantino had previously wanted to do with Casino Royale, but was turned down.

However, the insider added: “Whether Nolan’s arrival will impact Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s casting is a gray area at the moment – ​​because he’s very picky about who he works with.”

Ever since Daniel Craig left the role of 007 after five films and made his Bond swan song in 2021’s No Time To Die, rumors have swirled about which suave star will replace the icon (Daniel depicted in 2012’s Skyfall)

Christopher is known for consistently using similar casts in his films, working with another rumored Bond, Tom Hardy, on three films, Inception, Dunkirk and The Dark Knight Rises.

He worked with Aaron on the 2020 film Tenet, in which the actor played the minor character Ives.

Aaron has previously spoken about how he “wanted to be in Nolan’s presence” as he lobbied for a role in Tenet.

Speak with The Hollywood Reporter in 2020 he said: ‘When you get a chance to work with someone like Chris Nolan, you just hope you get your foot in the door.

“He’ll always have his favorite actors, so you never know if something’s going to happen or not.

“John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki were already on board, weeks away from shooting, and I was just waiting in the wings and raised my hand and said, ‘I would really like to get in a room with Chris Nolan. ” And it was quite a process if I’m honest.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was recently named the hot favorite to become the next James Bond (Aaron pictured in August last year)

“I went through a bunch of different castings before I could even get into the room to do another audition for him.

“So it wasn’t a done deal, but the best things are worth fighting and putting yourself down for.

‘So it wasn’t that easy, but luckily he gave me the role. And it didn’t matter to me how big or small the role was.

“I just wanted to be in his presence in his next movie.”

It was previously reported that Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, 53, was likely to direct the next film in the franchise, with Aaron keen to work with him (Christopher pictured in July this year)