Recent rumours suggest that Aaron Pierre, a British actor in his early thirties, could be the one to break the mould and become the first Black actor to don the 007 badge.
As a fresh face emerging in the race to become the next actor to take on the iconic role of James Bond, he's's causing quite a stir. While no official announcement has been made, industry insiders are paying close attention.
The Rising Star and the Bond Buzz
Aaron Pierre has been steadily building his career, with notable performances in The Underground Railroad, Rebel Ridge, and Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King. Recently, he has gained more recognition after a leak by industry insider Daniel Ritchman revealed that Pierre is in talks for the role.
This has coincided with betting odds narrowing, placing him alongside more established contenders like Theo James and Henry Cavill. Bookmakers now see Pierre as a genuine candidate, with odds moving closer to the favourites. Currently, Theo James leads with odds of 5/2, followed by Henry Cavill at 3/1, and Jack Lowden at 4/1. Meanwhile, Aaron Taylor-Johnson's odds have slipped to 5/1, showing how competitive the race remains.
Fans' Reactions and Concerns
Opinions among fans are divided. Some are enthusiastic about the prospect of a Black actor stepping into the role, viewing it as a positive step forward for diversity in cinema. Fans who saw him in 'Rebel Ridge' and other films definitively stated that Pierre's acting chops were a perfect fit for the role.
@metroentertainment According to industry insider @DanielRPK, The Lion King star Aaron Pierre is in the running to become the next James Bond. The Bond franchise was recently purchased by @amazon MGM Studios after the Broccoli dynasty sold them full "creative control."Are you here for this casting? 👆🏼 #jamesbond #aaronpierre #filmtok #movies #casting #thelionking #casting #rumours #danielcraig #action spy
♬ James Bond Theme - Nicholas Dodd
Others, however, express scepticism, pointing out that Pierre's busy schedule might make such a demanding role difficult to juggle. One fan commented, 'Pierre's Jon Stewart in the Lanterns show for DC. I don't know how he'd manage two big roles at once.' Another argued, 'Nah, wrong Aaron. It should be Aaron Taylor-Johnson,' reflecting how much the choice remains a topic of debate.
@longway1217 I said James Bond 10 times in this video 🤣#jamesbond #aaronpierre #007 #movie #trending #fyp
♬ Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 Original Song(813987) - East Valley Music
The Rumour Mill and Industry Moves
The speculation about Pierre's possible casting isn't coming from nowhere. Earlier this year, reports suggested Amazon MGM Studios had appointed Amy Pascal and David Heyman to oversee the next Bond film. This follow-up project, still in early stages, is expected to begin filming sometime next year.
According to scooper Daniel Ritchman, Pierre is 'being considered', although no confirmed meetings or negotiations have been reported. The studio's internal memo reportedly states that the new Bond will not change gender or nationality, which leaves open the possibility of a non-white actor in the role. Pierre, who is English but has adopted an American accent for certain roles, fits the bill in terms of nationality, and his rising profile makes him a plausible choice.
The Bigger Picture and Future Possibilities
The idea of a Black actor playing James Bond has been floated for some time, with Idris Elba frequently mentioned as a favourite among fans. However, Elba's age has made him less likely to be considered. Aaron Pierre's recent breakthrough roles, especially as John Stewart in HBO's Lanterns and his part in Rebel Ridge, have put him on Hollywood's radar.
