He may have emerged as the new favourite to play James Bond, but Aaron Taylor-Johnson looked worlds away from 007 as he stepped out on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old actor maintained a discreet presence while attending the debut of Lightroom’s latest immersive experience, Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, held at King’s Cross in partnership with Apple TV+.

Aaron was seen with a substantial brown beard, a stark contrast to the typically clean-shaven appearance associated with Bond, amidst intense speculation about the next actor to fill the iconic role.

He was accompanied by fellow celebrities such as Billie Piper, Damian Lewis, and Kate Garraway at the opening of Lightroom’s new family-oriented event.

Guests were taken on a breathtaking journey 66 million years into the past, with life-size dinosaurs brought to life through Lightroom’s cutting-edge projection technology, never-before-seen illustrations and an epic score by Hans Zimmer. 

Damian Lewis, Narrator of Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, said: ‘Dinosaurs are one of those topics that holds timeless appeal for all sorts of audiences — there is such an incredible depth to this project both educationally and as a spectacular story to tell of the greatest creatures ever to walk on our planet.

He may have emerged as the new favourite to play James Bond, but Aaron Taylor-Johnson looked worlds away from 007 as he stepped out on Tuesday

The actor attended the premiere of Lightroom at King’s Cross’ brand-new immersive show, Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, in collaboration with Apple TV+

Sporting a thick brown beard, Aaron look was a far cry from the clean-shaven look that Bond has become known for

‘I’m so excited to play a part in telling that story and inviting audiences into Prehistoric Planet like never before. 

‘Where else are you going to get to sidle up next to a life-size, living T-Rex in its natural habitat?’

Aaron is odds on favourite to play the next James Bond, with Dunkirk actor Jack Lowden, also 35, and Netflix star Theo James, 40, following close behind.

Bookmaker Coral have reported seeing a strong wave of support behind Aaron with the British actor as the 9-4 favourite for the role. 

Meanwhile Theo is second best in the betting at 4-1, while Jack is backed at 5-1.

Elsewhere the betting site have Superman star Henry Cavill, 42, with odds of 10-1.

Coral’s John Hill said: ‘We’ve seen another strong wave of support behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson in our next James Bond betting. Although other names have been linked with the role in recent weeks.

Aaron is odds on favourite with Dunkirk actor Jack Lowden, also 35, and Netflix star Theo James , 40, following close behind

Other stars in attendance for the premiere included Billie Piper, who showed off her abs in an eye-catching black satin crop top and a matching skirt

Damian Lewis, who narrates the experience, graced the green carpet for its premiere

The actor was seen mingling with actress Billie at London’s famous Lightroom, where families can get a glimpse of the experience

Kate Garraway cut a chic figure in a green and blue trouser suit with a leaf print, teamed with gold heels

‘The British actor remains the man punters are backing to replace Daniel Craig’.

However, it is believe to not be possible for Spiderman star Tom to bag the role of 007 as he begins filming Spider Man 4 – which has the reported working name Spider-Man: Brand New Day – in the coming months. 

The studio announced on Wednesday that Denis Villeneuve – best known for directing Warner Bros.’ two-part Dune adaptation – has signed on to direct the untitled film Bond film, via Amazon press release. 

The French-Canadian filmmaker, 57, will also serve as executive producer of the project alongside Tanya Lapointe. 

Amazon had previously announced Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the film’s producers, after the studio parted ways with longtime 007 caretakers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. 

The news comes just over three years after Amazon completed its massive $8.5billion acquisition of MGM Studios that included the James Bond  franchise.

There hasn’t been a Bond film since 2021’s No Time to Die, the final instalment with Daniel Craig as the beloved secret agent. 

The director said in a statement, ‘Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.’ 

He added, ‘I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.’

The filmmaker admitted: ‘This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.’

He also went on to thank Bond producers Amy and David, adding they, ‘are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust’.

Amy and David added, ‘Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy.

‘It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.’

After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Barbara and Michael, the offspring of original James Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli.

Barbara and Michael had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them. 

Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara and Michael in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumored to be upwards of $1 billion.

Villeneuve made his directorial debut in 1998 with August 32nd on Earth, which

Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027. 

The Good Morning Britain star was joined by former Sky News Breakfast presenter Kay Burley

Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered – with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun.

An insider told the publication: ‘This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes.

‘But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.

‘It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.’

The source added that it doesn’t necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool – though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.