Oscar-nominated star named as ‘favourite to be new James Bond as movie bosses eye up 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.

Movie bosses are said to be lining up two actors to play the spy, one older and one younger.

And rumours are now swirling that Paul, 27, could be in the running to take on the major film role, according to The Sun on Sunday.

Irish star Paul, who rose to fame in 2020 in BBC Three’s romantic drama Normal People, told Digital Spy that year: ‘Would I play Bond? Yeah?

‘I don’t know. If it ever came my way, we’d discuss it.’

Paul Mescal is reportedly in talks to play a young James Bond in the next film from the 007 franchise (actor Paul pictured in March this year)

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Paul for comment.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was named the hot favourite to become the next James Bond in October.

Ever since Daniel Craig ditched the 007 role after five films and made his Bond swansong in 2021’s No Time To Die, rumours have been rife over which debonair star will replace the icon.

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

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

They added of Christopher: ‘He is extremely interested in doing something very different with the franchise. If he can get his way with producers, then he is 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 that director Quentin Tarantino had previously wanted to do with Casino Royale, but was turned down.

However, the insider added: ‘Whether Nolan coming on board will affect the casting of Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently a grey area – as he’s very particular with who he works with.’

Ever since Daniel Craig ditched the 007 role after five films and made his Bond swansong in 2021’s No Time To Die, rumours have been rife over which debonair star will replace the icon (Daniel pictured in 2012’s Skyfall)

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

He has worked with Aaron on 2020 film Tenet, in which the actor played 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.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2020, he said: ‘When there’s an opportunity to work with someone like Chris Nolan, you just hope to get your foot in the door. 

‘He’s always going to have his go-to actors, so you never know if something is going to come around 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 putting my hand up, going, “I would really love to get in a room with Chris Nolan.” And it was quite a process if I’m being honest.

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

‘I went through a couple of different castings before I could even get in the room to do another audition for him. 

‘So it wasn’t a done deal, but the best things are worth fighting for and putting yourself out on a limb. 

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

‘I just wanted to be in his presence on his next movie.’

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

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