Aaron Taylor-Johnson Sports Bushy Beard and Curly Hair at Venice Film Festival’s Frankenstein Premiere Amid Shift in James Bond Casting Rumors

This version condenses key details (transformative appearance, event context, Bond speculation) while maintaining clarity and flow.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Stuns with Transformative Look at Venice Film Festival Amid Bond Speculation
[Image: Aaron Taylor-Johnson on the red carpet with a bushy beard and sunglasses.]

Aaron Taylor-Johnson turned heads at the Venice Film Festival’s Frankenstein premiere on Saturday, sporting a rugged beard, curly hair, and dark shades that masked his usual Hollywood charm. The 35-year-old actor, known for roles in Kick-Ass and Avengers: Age of Ultron, opted for a sharp white blazer, black trousers, a crisp shirt, and a bow tie. Completing the look were polished dress shoes and an Omega watch—a nod to his recent partnership with the official 007 timepiece brand.

Bond Rumors Heat Up
Despite his stylish appearance, headlines shifted to the ongoing James Bond speculation. Once the bookmakers’ favorite to replace Daniel Craig, Aaron has been overtaken by Henry Cavill as the “punters’ clear favorite.” Ladbrokes now lists Henry at 3/1 odds, while Aaron remains the frontrunner at 8/11. Other contenders include Theo James (7/1), Callum Turner (5/1), and Tom Holland (10/1).

[Image: Side-by-side of Aaron Taylor-Johnson (2024) and Henry Cavill.]

Henry Cavill’s Bond Audition Resurfaces
The buzz around Cavill intensified after footage of his 2005 Bond audition resurfaced. At 22, he channeled Pierce Brosnan’s GoldenEye era, delivering the iconic “Bond, James Bond” line. Though praised by director Martin Campbell as “tremendous,” Cavill lost the role to Craig due to his age. Campbell noted, “If Daniel didn’t exist, Henry would’ve made an excellent Bond.”

Aaron’s Cryptic Response
Meanwhile, Aaron fueled rumors when asked about upcoming projects at the 28 Years Later premiere. He replied, “I can’t talk about it,” before being whisked away—a response some fans interpreted as a hint toward Bond talks.

[Image: Daniel Craig in No Time to Die with Henry Cavill inset.]

The Bond Legacy Continues
As the search for the next 007 unfolds, Aaron’s Omega deal and enigmatic style keep him in the conversation. Meanwhile, Cavill’s resurgence highlights the franchise’s enduring allure. With Amazon now co-producing Bond films, the stakes—and speculation—are higher than ever.

[Image: Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein.]

Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and directed by Guillermo del Toro, premiered to acclaim, but all eyes remain on who will next utter the legendary line: “Bond, James Bond.”

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