Tue Apr 08 07:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Next James Bond: Aaron Taylor-Johnson Remains Top Contender, Despite Speculation
**Quincy, IL** – With the next James Bond film slated for release in late 2027, speculation continues to swirl around who will replace Daniel Craig as 007. Muddy River News columnist Steve Eighinger offers his top five picks, based on numerous reports and current betting odds in the UK.
While several actors are in the running, Eighinger points to Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the frontrunner, receiving support from former Bond Pierce Brosnan. However, Eighinger notes a recent lack of news surrounding Taylor-Johnson’s potential casting.
Other strong contenders include James Norton, whose age (39) might be a drawback, and Rege-Jean Page, who would be the first Black Bond. Tom Hardy, despite his age (47), remains a possibility due to his extensive action experience and expressed interest in the role. Henry Cavill, once considered a frontrunner, is now deemed too old at 41, according to Eighinger.
The article also features a brief section on celebrity birthdays, including John Ratzenberger, John Oates, Dennis Quaid, Kristen Stewart, and Peter Riegert. Finally, the piece notes that the average MLB player salary has surpassed $5 million for the first time.
First Piper 