British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is reportedly the frontrunner to become the next James Bond. The 33-year-old actor, known for roles in "Kick-Ass" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron," would be the eighth actor to take on the iconic role since the franchise's debut in 1962.

This news comes as Daniel Craig steps down after portraying 007 for five films, starting with "Casino Royale" in 2006. The coveted role has a history of launching actors to superstardom, with Sean Connery being a prime example. He transitioned from minor television roles to international fame after his Bond debut.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson may be the leading candidate, but several other established actors have also been mentioned as possibilities. These include Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Idris Elba.Notably, Elba, the fan favorite in a recent Lottoland poll, has previously expressed disinterest due to the focus on race rather than his acting ability.

"The James Bond thing continues to go... It's more about wanting a Black guy to play James Bond rather than Idris Elba, the actor," Elba told the New York Times in 2017.

The franchise's future remains diverse, with fans hoping to see a significant shift from the traditionally white male Bond. The Lottoland poll even included prominent actresses like Emilia Clarke and Emily Blunt.

Eon Productions, the studio behind Bond films, is reportedly developing a new script with the intention to film soon. If rumors hold true, Aaron Taylor-Johnson might be close to signing on as the next James Bond.

While the news is not official, it certainly fuels speculation about the future of James Bond. Whether Taylor-Johnson takes the reins or another contender emerges, one thing's for sure: the world is eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the iconic spy's story.