Ex-James Bond George Lazenby Endorses Aaron Taylor-Johnson for 007 Role

Former James Bond actor George Lazenby has given his endorsement to Aaron Taylor-Johnson for the iconic role of 007, stating that the 33-year-old actor has the toughness to handle the demands of the secret agent lifestyle. Lazenby, who portrayed Bond in 1969’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” believes that Taylor-Johnson is capable of performing the stunts and captivating the attention of Bond’s admirers.

While Aaron Taylor-Johnson is already committed to his role as a leading man alongside director and producer Sam Taylor-Johnson, Lazenby acknowledges the actor’s potential for the Bond role. Reflecting on his own audition process for the role in the 1960s, Lazenby notes that securing the part involved numerous tests and auditions.

Lazenby emphasizes the international nature of the James Bond character, highlighting the diverse range of nationalities that have portrayed the iconic spy over the past six decades. As such, he expresses openness to actors from various backgrounds, as long as they embody the essence of the character convincingly.

Offering advice to Taylor-Johnson, Lazenby encourages him to stay true to himself and approach the role with authenticity, much like Lazenby did during his own tenure as Bond. Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond followed in the footsteps of iconic actor Sean Connery and preceded subsequent Bond actors such as Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

While Aaron Taylor-Johnson reportedly has an offer to assume the role of 007, he faces competition from other contenders like Idris Elba and Henry Cavill. With Lazenby’s endorsement, Taylor-Johnson’s potential ascension to the role may be hastened, signaling a new chapter in the storied legacy of James Bond.