Aaron Taylor-Johnson is now one of the favourites to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has become one of the favourites to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond, with the franchise’s new star yet to be officially confirmed by execs.

Ever since Craig announced he’d be hanging up the tux, we’ve all been curious to see who’s next in line for the long-running film series, with everyone from Tom Holland to Harry Styles being thrown out as suggestions over the years.

There have even been questions about whether or not the new 007 could mark a change in direction for the character, whether through a non-white actor, a female star or even just a name that’s relatively unknown.

Universal

While many of us have our own ideas of who might work best, the bookies have their favourites – and now Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging star Taylor-Johnson, 32, has entered the favourites race to replace Craig, with his odds on William Hill currently standing at 10-1.

After featuring in the 2008 rom-com based on the Louise Rennison book, Taylor-Johnson continued his climb to fame in 2013’s Kick-Ass.

More recently, he also starred alongside Brad Pitt in this year’s Bullet Train.

The recent surge in odds comes after rumours began to circulate that he had been called in for a screen test, with an unnamed source telling The Sun that things seemed to go well.

The insider said: “Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the front-runners.”

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Taylor-Johnson joins the likes of Game of Thrones star Richard Madden (9-1) and Dunkirk actor Jack Lowden (8-1), with other favourites also including Chiwetel Ejiofor (7-1), Tom Hardy (6-1) and Michael Fassbender (10-1).

But Henry Cavill remains the frontrunner with odds of 5-6, having replaced long-time favourite, Bridgerton actor Rege-Jean Page (4-1) in the top spot.

Cavill’s time recently opened up after he announced he would be stepping down as Geralt in hit Netflix series The Witcher, leaving him even more open to speculation that he’ll be having his martini shaken, not stirred.

Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, said: “Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be a great fit for the role he is just the right age and has proven he is more than capable in an action role.

“He is against some tough competitors though, however, if he did excel in his audition as rumours are suggesting I would recommend keeping an eye on him as the race continues.”