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**Summary:**

This article from The Hollywood Reporter discusses three separate topics: the speculation surrounding who will be the next James Bond, a recent smash-and-grab robbery at a RealReal store in Santa Monica, and the buzz surrounding the graphic violence shown in a sneak peek of the film adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” at Comic-Con. The Bond speculation centers around Aaron Taylor-Johnson being the current favorite, but the article questions the validity of the odds and whether the actor’s publicity efforts are helping or hurting his chances. The RealReal robbery marks the third such incident at the store and is being investigated for potential links to other heists. At Comic-Con, attendees witnessed a brutal scene from “The Long Walk” that was partially censored, highlighting the film’s intense content and the demanding nature of its production.

**News Article:**

**Bond Race Heats Up, Luxury Resale Store Hit Again, and Comic-Con Attendees Shield Eyes from ‘Long Walk’ Violence**

**HOLLYWOOD, CA (July 31, 2024)** – The search for the next James Bond is proving to be as suspenseful as one of 007’s missions, while organized retail theft continues to plague luxury resale businesses, and a new film is so graphic it has fans cowering.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the odds-on favorite to inherit the Bond mantle, according to VegasInsider. However, industry insiders suggest his high ranking may be more about strategic publicity than genuine selection. Recent press leaks touting Taylor-Johnson’s “top-secret screen test” have fueled speculation, as has his ambassadorship with Omega, the official Bond watch. However, sources within the entertainment industry suggest that this very public campaign might be backfiring. “The more you push for the role, the more it can backfire,” one insider stated. With Amazon now at the helm of the franchise, the decision ultimately rests with Amy Pascal, making any previous “impressions” less relevant.

In Santa Monica, the RealReal store experienced its third smash-and-grab robbery in three years on July 18th. A dozen masked individuals stormed the store in broad daylight, making off with high-end resale items. The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the incident and looking into possible connections with a similar heist at an Anaheim jeweler. Despite the incident, police maintain that there has not been a recent spike in organized retail theft in the area.

Meanwhile, at San Diego Comic-Con, attendees received a glimpse of Lionsgate’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Long Walk.” The 20-minute preview featured such extreme violence that one particularly graphic scene, involving a character’s jaw being shot off, was blacked out during the screening. The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, appears to have been as demanding to film as it is to watch. Cast members reportedly endured grueling conditions on set, resulting in real injuries. Actor Garrett Wareing, who plays one of the contestants, noted the cast suffered through real blisters and bruises.

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