Aaron Taylor-Johnson's New Action Movie Proves What James Bond Role He Needs

In the 2024 action movie, The Fall Guy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Tom Ryder, an action movie star that goes AWOL under suspicious circumstances, and one line about his character, said by Ryan Gosling’s Colt Seavers, hints at another action role that Johnson would be amazing for. The Fall Guy is a brand new action movie starring Ryan Gosling as a stuntman who, trying to win back the affections of his director ex-girlfriend, tries to save the star of her new movie, only to find more going on under the surface. The film is directed by David Leitch.

Among the many familiar faces included in the cast of The Fall Guy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is not a surprising addition. Johnson has long played roles in action movies, including the raunchy superhero flick, Kick-Ass, and more recently, the Brad Pitt-led action film, Bullet Train. In The Fall Guy, Johnson’s character is the perfect mix of mysterious and nefarious. He brings a certain amount of charisma, while also inciting outrage at the bad things he is doing. In just a single line, Colt sums up Johnson’s character, and in turn, brings up what could be Johnson’s next big role.

The Fall Guy Confirms Aaron Taylor-Johnson Would Be A Great James Bond Villain

Johnson is a perfect action villain

During The Fall Guy, Ryan Gosling’s character describes Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Tom Ryder as “like a Bond villain.” And as it turns out, this is not only the perfect description for the character, but a great potential role for Johnson. In The Fall Guy, Johnson proves that he is able to toe the line between diabolical and unpredictable. He makes for a great villain, because he can be both charming and horrifying, while also nailing the physicality of an action movie.

Although The Fall Guy has brought attention to Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s talent at playing villains, this is far from the first movie to make him the bad guy. In Bullet Train, Johnson plays a likable villain alongside Brian Tyree Henry. On the other hand, in 2016’s Nocturnal Animals, Johnson plays a truly despicable kidnapper and murderer. Johnson even appeared in a spy movie recently, 2021’s The King’s Man, though his role was brief and not villainous. Overall, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s moviesprepared him for the challenges of playing a James Bond villain. He can be evil, chaotic, and suave all at once.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Playing A Bond Villain Plays To His Strengths

Johnson thrives when he can be strange

What makes the role of a Bond villain perfect for Aaron Taylor-Johnson is that, in realty, it plays to all the things Johnson excels at. As previously mentioned, Johnson has earned acclaim for his villain characters, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Nocturnal Animals, however, it is more than just villainy that makes Johnson’s performances so good. More than anything, when Johnson is able to play around with his villain characters and make them quirky, strange, and even redeemable at times, then he is apt to give some of his best acting performances of all time.

Being a Bond villain is the perfect opportunity for Aaron Taylor-Johnson to play around with a villain role in front of a massive audience. Famously, Bond villains can be very strange people as an antecedent to James Bond’s straight-forward slickness. In this way, if given the chance, Aaron Taylor-Johnson could take on the role of Bond villain and make it something especially unique and awesome. He would not only perfectly fit the archetype of a Bond villain, but he could even make it better by adding his own flair. Johnson’s resume confirms his ability to nail this type of role.

Playing A Villain Is A Great Alternative If Aaron Taylor-Johnson Isn’t James Bond

Johnson would be part of Bond in a different way

It’s impossible to discuss Aaron Taylor-Johnson playing a Bond villain without mentioning the fact that Johnson is one of the most popular candidates for the role of James Bond himself. After 2021’s No Time To Die, Daniel Craig has retired from his role as 007, leaving the spot open for new actors. While there are many names being thrown around at this time, among them is Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the perfect Bond, and his taking of the mantel would be very exciting. However, if he did not get the title of Bond, he could very easily play the role of his enemy instead.

All in all, it would be exciting to see Aaron Taylor-Johnson become a part of the James Bond franchise, no matter which role he takes. Over the years, Johnson has proven his acting abilities, and his long list of roles shows that he can play a villain like no one else. His most recent role in The Fall Guy is just more confirmation that Johnson is well-equipped to play a Bond villain, and should play one in the upcoming Bond 26. Johnson has proven his worth, so it is now time for movie execs to take advantage of it.

The Fall Guy

Director

David Leitch

Release Date

May 3, 2024

Studio(s)

Universal Pictures , Entertainment 360 , 87North Productions

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

Writers

Drew Pearce