Alright, let’s delve into the whirlwind of rumors and excitement surrounding the next James Bond! It seems like MI6’s favorite spy is about to undergo a major transformation, and the spotlight is shining brightly on Aaron Taylor-Johnson to take on the iconic role.
Who will be the next James Bond?
According to insiders in the know, it’s looking increasingly likely that Aaron Taylor-Johnson, renowned for his roles in the Kick-Ass and Avengers franchises, will be stepping into the polished shoes of James Bond 007. It’s a monumental shift from the reign of Daniel Craig, who has brilliantly portrayed the enigmatic spy for 15 years.
Eon Productions, the powerhouse behind the James Bond films, is gearing up for action, aiming to kick off filming this year. The anticipation is palpable, with sources hinting that Aaron is all set to accept the baton passed onto him, with a formal offer already on the table.
As the buzz grows louder, bookies are tipping Aaron as the frontrunner, adjusting the odds in his favor. But it’s not just about the betting lines; Aaron himself seems genuinely flattered by the speculation, considering it a profound compliment to even be considered for the role of James Bond.
The journey to potentially becoming the next James Bond hasn’t been sudden for Aaron. Whispers about his suitability for the part have been circulating since 2022, when he reportedly underwent a secret screen test for the James Bond supremo, Barbara Broccoli. His diverse acting portfolio, including a Golden Globe-winning performance in the thriller “Nocturnal Animals,” has undoubtedly bolstered his candidacy.
But let’s not forget the legacy he’s stepping into. Daniel Craig, who bowed out after the explosive “No Time To Die,” left an indelible mark on the franchise. With his departure, the narrative arc of James Bond has taken a surprising turn, leaving fans wondering where the story will pick up next.
Yet, Aaron’s ascent to James Bond stardom isn’t solely defined by his professional achievements. His personal life, particularly his relationship with filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood, has garnered its fair share of attention. Their love story, which blossomed on the set of “Nowhere Boy,” has been marked by a remarkable bond and a shared passion for their craft.
Their unconventional romance, with Aaron being considerably younger when they first met, has been a testament to their resilience against scrutiny. Together, they’ve built a family filled with love and laughter, cherishing the ordinary moments that enrich their lives.
As Aaron braces himself for the potential role of a lifetime, the speculation surrounding the next James Bond movie intensifies. With production slated to commence at Pinewood Studios, the stage is set for a new chapter in the iconic spy saga.
But amidst the frenzy, it’s worth remembering the words of Barbara Broccoli, who emphasized the essence of James Bond remaining male while advocating for the creation of compelling female characters in the franchise. It’s a sentiment that echoes the evolution of cinema, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and representation on screen.
In the rich tapestry of Bond actors, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stands poised to carve his path, bringing his unique blend of charisma and talent to the role. Whether he’s chasing villains across exotic locales or delivering witty one-liners with impeccable charm, one thing is certain: the world eagerly awaits the dawn of a new era in the James Bond legacy.
The anticipation for the next James Bond film is reaching a fever pitch, especially considering the monumental shift after Daniel Craig’s final outing in “No Time to Die” nearly two and a half years ago. With the stage set for a new James Bond to take center stage, fans are left pondering some age-old questions: Who truly embodies the essence of 007? Which films stand the test of time, and which falter under the weight of their ambitions?
When it comes to ranking the 25 Bond films, opinions vary widely. Even die-hard Sean Connery fans might hesitate to put his six films on a pedestal above the rest. Conversely, some may struggle to differentiate between Timothy Dalton’s entries. It’s a delicate balance between the grandiosity of bigger budgets and the allure of more intimate storytelling.
Every era of Bond has its defining strengths. The franchise typically kicks off with a bang whenever a new actor steps into the role, only to gradually lose its footing and devolve into self-parody before ushering in a new face to breathe fresh life into the character.
Taking a deep dive into the Bond canon, we’ve pitted each film against one another to determine their relative merits. The results, as expected, are bound to ruffle a few feathers in every direction. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the rankings:
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Now, this one tends to divide opinion. While some may criticize its rushed climax, others find it to be a breathlessly compelling ride. From the exhilarating Siena rooftop chase to Daniel Craig’s intense performance, “Quantum of Solace” is a swift, angry side mission that picks up right where “Casino Royale” left off. With Bond carrying a grudge like never before, you’d be wise to steer clear of his path.
James Bond movie diary
Dr. No (1962)
Ah, the one that started it all. While it may lack some of the polish of later entries, “Dr. No” lays the groundwork for the iconic franchise. Ursula Andress’s unforgettable emergence from the sea and Ken Adam’s innovative set design set the stage for a series of thrilling adventures to come.
From Russia with Love (1963)
Connery’s grittiest performance, coupled with Terence Young’s masterful direction, makes “From Russia with Love” the epitome of classic Bond. With a superb ensemble cast and a Hitchcockian sense of confinement, this film represents Bond at its peak.
Goldfinger (1964)
Guy Hamilton’s direction strikes the perfect balance between camp and confidence in this archetypal Bond adventure. With a villain and heroine for the ages, “Goldfinger” is teasing, brashly confident, and just plain fun.
Thunderball (1965)
Despite its underwater sequences feeling somewhat tedious, “Thunderball” still manages to captivate audiences with its globe-trotting plot. While it may not be the most memorable entry in the franchise, it still delivers some classic Bond moments.
You Only Live Twice (1967)
Ken Adam’s volcanic lair steals the show in this visually stunning entry. Despite Connery’s questionable yellowface disguise, the aerial battles and explosive finale make for a thrilling ride. Donald Pleasance’s turn as Blofeld adds an extra layer of menace to this classic Bond adventure.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
Despite George Lazenby’s brief tenure as Bond, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” stands tall as a thrilling and emotionally resonant entry in the franchise. Christopher Nolan’s favorite, this film delivers explosive action, and Diana Rigg’s Contessa is one of Bond’s most memorable paramours.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
This entry may be the campiest of the Connery era, but it still manages to entertain. Despite its flaws, Charles Gray’s performance as the enigmatic Blofeld and Shirley Bassey’s iconic theme song ensure that “Diamonds Are Forever” remains a memorable addition to the franchise.
Live and Let Die (1973)
Moore’s debut as Bond takes a bold turn with the blacksploitation angle, making it one of the franchise’s most distinctive entries. Yaphet Kotto’s fantastic performance and the memorable voodoo intrigue elevate this film to classic status.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
Despite Christopher Lee’s commanding presence as the villainous Scaramanga, this entry struggles to find its footing. The psychedelic showdown and lackluster plot leave much to be desired, overshadowing any standout moments.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Roger Moore is at his purring best in this fan-favorite outing. Lewis Gilbert’s elegant direction and Barbara Bach’s turn as Bond’s KGB counterpart ensure that “The Spy Who Loved Me” is a thrilling and stylish adventure from start to finish.
Moonraker (1979)
Roger Moore’s tenure hits a low point with “Moonraker,” which leans heavily into camp and cheese. While it boasts an entertaining villain and a memorable skydiving set piece, the sheer absurdity of the plot proves too much to overlook.
For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Carole Bouquet shines as the vengeful Melina Havelock, armed with a crossbow and a thirst for revenge. “For Your Eyes Only” marks a return to post-Cold War realism, with a keen focus on romance and a climactic showdown atop a mountaintop monastery. Topol’s understated performance adds depth to this underrated gem.
Octopussy (1983)
While it may have its stodgy moments, “Octopussy” still manages to deliver some thrills. Maud Adams’s portrayal of the titular character may not be the strongest, but Louis Jordan’s debonair performance as the villain adds some much-needed charm to the proceedings.
A View to a Kill (1985)
Despite Moore’s advancing age, “A View to a Kill” still manages to deliver some standout moments. Grace Jones’s memorable turn as May Day and Christopher Walken’s chilling portrayal of the villain ensure that this entry remains a fan favorite.
The Living Daylights (1987)
Timothy Dalton brings a tough, nervy edge to Bond in this underrated gem. From icy glamour to Moroccan swashbuckling, “The Living Daylights” showcases Dalton’s talents and features some spectacular stunt sequences.
Licence to Kill (1989)
Dalton’s darker portrayal of Bond may not be to everyone’s taste, but “Licence to Kill” still delivers some memorable moments. From the desert tanker chase to Robert Davi’s menacing turn as the villain, there’s plenty to enjoy despite the film’s grim tone.
GoldenEye (1995)
Despite its iconic status, “GoldenEye” falls short of expectations. While Famke Janssen’s portrayal of a femme fatale adds some much-needed flair, the film’s cheesy dialogue and forgettable plot leave much to be desired.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
While it may be slickly produced, “Tomorrow Never Dies” lacks the soul of its predecessors. Jonathan Pryce’s portrayal of a Murdochian tycoon feels uninspired, leaving audiences yearning for more depth amidst the flashy action sequences.
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
While it may suffer from Denise Richards’s cringe-worthy portrayal of Dr. Christmas Jones, “The World Is Not Enough” finds redemption in Sophie Marceau’s performance as a cunning adversary. Despite its flaws, it manages to inject some much-needed intrigue into the franchise.
Die Another Day (2002)
This entry is a masterclass in excess, featuring everything from invisible cars to surfing on icebergs. While it may veer into the realm of absurdity, Halle Berry’s iconic emergence from the sea in Cuba remains a highlight.
Casino Royale (2006)
Martin Campbell’s reboot of the franchise injects new life into Bond with a steely flexing of brawn. “Casino Royale” introduces us to Le Chiffre and Vesper Lynd, marvelous additions to the Bond canon. However, the third act stumbles slightly, dampening an otherwise stellar outing.
Skyfall (2012)
While Javier Bardem’s performance as the villain is undeniably captivating, “Skyfall” falters in its execution. Plot holes abound, and the film’s climax feels underwhelming compared to its promising start. However, it’s hard to deny the visual splendor brought to life by Roger Deakins’s cinematography.
Spectre (2015)
Despite a promising start with its Day of the Dead opener, “Spectre” fails to capitalize on its potential. Lazy casting, lackluster car chases, and a disappointingly unsatisfying climax mar this otherwise visually stunning film.
No Time to Die (2021)
After nearly two years of delays, “No Time to Die” finally arrived, delivering a fitting send-off for Daniel Craig’s Bond. Cary Fukunaga’s direction, blistering action sequences, and memorable supporting roles make this a worthy addition to the franchise. Ana de Armas’s scene-stealing performance is just the cherry on top.
And there you have it – a thrilling journey through the top half of the Bond film rankings. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s something for everyone in the world of 007. Until the next adventure, stay shaken, not stirred!
So, there you have it – a rundown of the bottom half of the Bond film rankings. Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll dive into the top half and see which films rise to the top of the pile!
