The bets are on for the next face of the famed Daniel Craig-led franchise of James Bond. While initially it was believed that Anthony Boyle, Callum Turner, Leo Suter, Harris Dickinson, Regé-Jean Page, or Idris Elba would portray the secret service agent, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has recently appeared as not just a frontrunner but almost a confirmation. While nothing has so far been announced, it appears that his role may already be in jeopardy after an over a decade-old rumor has found itself taking root on online communities. It stems from a 2012 post from a co-star accusing the actor of bullying them on the sets of a film, and the star’s personality has now ended up under scrutiny.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s past experience with a Mexican actress causes trouble before a potential James Bond casting

Sandra Echeverría previously called out Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Taylor-Johnson for their behavior during a car scene on the set of the film Savages. “We came in a truck (I was supposed to be kidnapped with the hands and the feet tied in the trunk). Well, they seemed to find it very funny between takes to start the truck really hard… For me to fly around and hit with the movement of the van.”

She further claimed that due to her hands and feet being tied, she could not control what happened to herself, and thus them revving up the truck was hard on her, hurt her, and angered her father, who was watching. She revealed how, later, the actor stepped in to offer his apology. “I decided not to say anything and hold on, but I hated them. Two proud celebrities were able to do that. A time later, at the premiere, Aaron came to apologize. At least he did seem to feel bad. Taylor couldn’t care less. Does that give you the power of Hollywood? I don’t know.”

Meanwhile, James Gunn recently started following Aaron Taylor-Johnson, which has further fueled rumors about him being the new James Bond. 

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu’s son, Gautam Ghattamaneni, recently attended the grand US premiere of SS Rajamouli’s re-edited blockbuster, Baahubali – The Epic. The film, a 3-hour-45-minute version that combines Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, is set for a worldwide re-release on October 31. Gautam shared his thoughts on watching the iconic saga on one of the largest screens in the world.

Speaking to TV9, Gautam said, “The best thing for me is not having to wait for 2 years on why Kattappa killed Baahubali. But overall, the enhancement is very well done. It is very incredible to see our Telugu film getting so much international recognition. It is one of the greatest feelings for me as someone who grew up watching a film like this. I’m getting goosebumps, I can’t explain that feeling.”

Here’s what Gautam loved about the re-edited version

Gautam described the experience as surreal and thrilling. “Watching Baahubali on one of the biggest screens in the world is an experience,” he said. “Seeing a Telugu film being celebrated internationally on such a massive scale feels both thrilling and meaningful.” He also expressed joy at reliving the cinematic marvel, saying, “Every second gave me goosebumps. This is one of my favourite experiences, an epic film of epic proportions. I can’t even explain that feeling.”

Directed by SS Rajamouli, Baahubali – The Epic merges both parts of the original franchise into a single, seamless cinematic experience. The film features Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Ramya Krishnan, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sathyaraj, and Nasser in pivotal roles. The re-edited version is designed to captivate both new audiences and fans of the original films.

The worldwide release on October 31 will see Baahubali – The Epic screened in multiple languages and formats. Early reviews from the US premiere, including Gautam’s reaction, suggest that the film successfully recreates the magic of India’s biggest blockbuster while appealing to a global audience.