Pierce Brosnan has given his approval to the idea of Aaron Taylor-Johnson becoming the next person to succeed him as James Bond.
Reports have been swirling that Taylor-Johnson, 33, has been formerly offered the role of the ultra-suave British spy created by novelist Ian Fleming.
Brosnan, 70, rocketed to global superstardom playing Bond in four films, from GoldenEye in 1995 until Die Another Day in 2002.
Now, as feverish speculation builds around the prospect of Taylor-Johnson bagging the role, Brosnan has graciously offered his support.
The showbiz icon, who worked with Taylor-Johnson in the 2009 movie The Greatest, told RTÉ Radio 1 he 'would definitely tip my hat to the fellow' for the role of 007.
Pierce Brosnan (pictured left as James Bond in GoldenEye) has given his approval to the idea of Aaron Taylor-Johnson (pictured right in 2019) becoming the next 007
Brosnan, 70, rocketed to global superstardom playing Bond in four films, from GoldenEye in 1995 until Die Another Day in 2002; pictured in GoldenEye with Izabella Scorupco
'I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so,' added Brosnan on The
Ray D'Arcy Show.
Brosnan was a producer on The Greatest, which starred him and Susan Sarandon as a married couple grieving the death of their teenage son, played by Taylor-Johnson.
Looking back on the film, Brosnan recalled Taylor-Johnson 'was the greatest in it. It's a lovely movie with Aaron and Carey Mulligan, Susan Sarandon and myself.'
Brosnan's tip to Taylor-Johnson for assuming the iconic role is: 'Be bold. Go out there. Have a great time. Just love it. Just go for it. You can do it.'
After a successful run on the TV show Remington Steele, Brosnan became a global household name because of his tenure as James Bond.
He first took on the role in the 1995 picture GoldenEye, followed by Tomorrow Never Dies in 1997, The World Is Not Enough in 1999 and finally Die Another Day in 2002.
Four years later, Daniel Craig made his unforgettable debut as 007 in Casino Royale, kicking off his own thunderous run across five movies.
Now that Craig has withdrawn from the role, the hunt has been on for a suitable heartthrob to replace him - and now Taylor-Johnson appears to be the frontrunner.
Brosnan worked with Taylor-Johnson in the 2009 movie The Greatest; Taylor-Johnson is pictured in the movie opposite Carey Mulligan
He first took on the role in the 1995 picture GoldenEye, followed by Tomorrow Never Dies in 1997, The World Is Not Enough in 1999 and finally Die Another Day in 2002 (pictured)
George Lazenby, pictured as Bond in the 1969 movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service, has also given his imprimatur to Taylor-Johnson's potential casting
George Lazenby, who played Bond in the 1969 movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service, has also given his imprimatur to Taylor-Johnson's potential casting.
Lazenby told TMZ he felt Taylor-Johnson would be able to convey Bond's hard edge, as well as being appealing to women and adept at the requisite stunt work.
The remarks come after it emerged Taylor-Johnson could be signing up for four Bond films after 'endless discussions' with execs - who sources claim are hoping he can replace Daniel Craig to lead the franchise into a new age with a 'fantasy' twist.
Taylor-Johnson has reportedly been formally offered the chance to play 007, with sources claiming bosses have already taken extraordinary lengths to secure him.
Producer Barbara Broccoli, 63, is not considering anyone else, according to insiders, who have claimed costume fittings for Aaron are already underway.
'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.
Taylor-Johnson is on the verge of signing a deal to become the next James Bond - and has been offered a four movie deal, insiders claim
The 33-year-old actor is reportedly set to take over the role of 007 from Daniel Craig (pictured), who bowed out from the franchise after 2021's No Time To Die
'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.
'Barbara Broccoli and the rest of the producers are going to make a huge deal out of the announcement.'
According to the insider, an event will be held where the remaining living Bonds - including George Lazenby, 84, Timothy Dalton, 78, Pierce Brosnan, 70, and Daniel, 56 - will be asked to attend to pass on the torch.
'They all want this to be one of the biggest announcements ever and are looking to start filming sometime next year to get a movie out in theaters by 2026,' they said.
On top of going all out for the hotly anticipated official cast announcement, Bond execs are also hoping to take the beloved franchise into a new genre.
The insider added: 'They would like it to be a little more of a fantasy, with interesting and iconic bad guys and over the top action and not as real as Daniel Craig's films were.
'They are looking to steer it more towards the Pierce Brosnan films in terms of tone and referencing Bond's past that people loved, but still incorporating moments to move the films forward.
Bond producers are reportedly hoping Aaron will lead the beloved spy franchise into a new-age as they consider a fantasy twist
Aaron started acting as a child and has seen his career go from strength to strength,
토토 솔루션 with three huge film appearances upcoming this year (pictured in The Fall
'There is a set plan, and Aaron has had endless discussions. They don't want anybody else.'
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Aaron for comment.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Kick Ass actor is on the verge of inking a deal to take over from Daniel as the titular spy after he retired from the role following his swansong in 2021 blockbuster No Time To
Aaron was coy when questioned previously about the rumors, telling Numero magazine earlier this month: 'I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment
A recent poll suggested Idris Elba is still the public's number one choice to replace Daniel, despite being 51 - old for a Bond candidate - and already ruling himself out of the running in order to focus on his crime drama, Luthe
Back in August 2022, it was reported he had walked away from 'years of talks' with movie bosses to take over the famous r
Last summer, Idris admitted that he used to be 'super complimented' by the idea of playing Bond, saying it was the 'pinnac
But he told Variety that he was turned off, when 'those that weren't happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense and I got the brunt of
Meanwhile, Michael Fassbender has also ruled himself out, saying he thought a younger star should take on the r
When asked by GQ magazine if he would be up for the part, the actor, 46, said: 'To be honest, no.'
A recent poll found Idris Elba is still the public's number one choice for the role, despite already ruling himself out of the run
Michael Fassbender also ruled himself out, saying he thought a younger star should take on the role
Although Aaron is yet to officially accept the role, once he's signed the contract he will become the seventh actor to play the iconic British secret service agent since the franchise launched in 1962.