Kraven the Hunter star Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s James Bond bid receives former 007 Pierce Brosnan’s blessing.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s name bumps up the shortlist of frontrunners to play 007 with endorsement from former James Bond Pierce Brosnan.

The James Bond film franchise remains on indefinite hiatus, but a handful of candidates are already being backed to play the 007 agent last portrayed by Daniel Craig.

Seven actors have played the role in 59 years, and it appears the next one will have huge shoes to fill; actors Jeffrey Wright and Henry Cavill, as well as Barbie director Greta Gerwig previously weighed in with casting endorsements.

Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson also rose to the ranks of frontrunners for the role, even though many consider him an unlikely pick (considering he’s best known for his character in the Kick-Ass films).

In an interview on The Ray D’Arcy Show, GoldenEye star Pierce Brosnan bolstered Taylor-Johnson’s bid to lead the next James Bond film.

Reports of Aaron Taylor-Johnson getting offered the role of James Bond have earned the approval of a former 007 actor.

Brosnan confirmed that the Kraven the Hunter actor has what it takes to inherit James Bond’s mantle. “I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so,” he said.

He has a good reason to endorse Taylor-Johnson for the part, as they had already worked together in 2009’s The Greatest.

It seems Taylor-Johnson left an impression on Brosnan even then. “He was the greatest in [The Greatest],” Brosnan quipped.

“So, yes, I read the news about his possibilities of being a Bond, so I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow.” Brosnan’s endorsement is an interesting turn since he already pegged Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy as perfect casting.

Taylor-Johnson Already Starred In A British Spy Film

Taylor-Johnson’s filmography features an eclectic mix of roles, from the British assassin Tangerine in Bullet Train to Commander Ives in Tenet.

The closest the actor has come to playing James Bond would be his portrayal of Archie Reid, the distinguished Scottish soldier in The Kingsman.

The actor’s parts in upcoming films The Fall Guy, Kraven the Hunter, and Nosferatu are wildly contrasting, but it still confirms he has the range to lead the next phase of James Bond films.

A handful of actors are rumored to be in the running to be the next 007, though this short list has never been confirmed.

Aside from Murphy and Taylor-Johnson, actors James Norton (Happy Valley), Damson Idris (Snowfall), Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton), Richard Madden (Citadel), Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, and Idris Elba were all reportedly being considered. Elba has asserted that he has no plans to play 007.