By Owen Tonks for Web and Eve Buckland for Dailymail.Com 01:49 December 10, 2023, updated 01:50 December 10, 2023
Paul Mescal is reportedly in talks to play a young James Bond in the next film in the 007 series.
Film bosses are reportedly lining up two actors to play the spy, one older and one younger.
According to The Sun on Sunday, rumors are now circulating that 27-year-old Paul could be in the running to star in the film.
Irish star Paul, who found fame in BBC Three's 2020 romantic drama Normal People, told Digital Spy this year: “Would I play Bond?” Yes?
'I don't know. If it ever came to me we would discuss it.'
Paul Mescal is reportedly in talks to play a young James Bond in the next film in the 007 series (actor Paul pictured in March this year).
Web has contacted a representative for Paul for comment.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson was named the hot favorite to play the next James Bond in October.
Ever since Daniel Craig left the 007 role after five films and made his Bond swansong in 2021's No Time to Die, rumors have been circulating about which dapper star will replace the icon.
An insider revealed to Web that the 33-year-old British Aaron actor is close to landing the role, while Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, 53, is likely to direct the next film in the series.
The insider said: “Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the hot favorite for the Icon role, he's the first choice for Barbara Broccoli – he's the one to beat.”
Of Christopher, they added: “He's extremely interested in doing something completely different with the franchise. If he can get his way with the producers then he's all for it.”
It was previously reported that Christopher wanted to direct the next Bond film as a period piece set in the same material as the original source material – something director Quentin Tarantino previously planned to do with Casino Royale but was rejected.
However, the insider added: “Whether Nolan's arrival will influence Aaron Taylor-Johnson's casting is a gray area at the moment – as he is very picky about who he works with.”
Ever since Daniel Craig left the 007 role after five films and made his Bond swan song in 2021's No Time to Die, rumors have been circulating about which dapper star will replace the icon (Daniel pictured in Skyfall the year 2012).
Christopher is known for consistently using similar casts in his films and for working with another rumored Bond, Tom Hardy, on three films: Inception, Dunkirk and The Dark Knight Rises.
He worked with Aaron on the 2020 film Tenet, in which the actor played the supporting character Ives.
Aaron has previously spoken about how he “wanted to be in Nolan's presence” when he was casting for a role in Tenet.
Speaking to in 2020, he said: “When the opportunity comes to work with someone like Chris Nolan, you just hope to get your foot in the door.”
“He will always have his favorite actors, so you never know if something will happen or not.”
“John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki were already on board, weeks before filming, and I was just waiting in the wings and raised my hand and said, 'I would really like to be in a room with Chris Nolan.'” And If I'm honest, it was quite a process.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson was recently named the hot favorite to play the next James Bond (Aaron pictured in August last year)
“I went through a few different auditions before I could even get in the room to do another audition for him.
“So it wasn’t a done deal yet, but the best things are worth fighting for and putting yourself to the test.”
“So it wasn't that easy, but luckily he gave me the role.” And I didn't care how big or small the role was.
“I just wanted to be in his presence for his next film.”
It was previously reported that 53-year-old Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan is expected to helm the next film in the series, with Aaron keen to work with him (Christopher pictured in July this year).