MOVIE NEWS – Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James are teaming up for a gripping new thriller… but no, it’s not the next James Bond installment. After wrapping up production last year, the unexpected duo is set to star in Fuze, a film backed by an impressive supporting cast.

Currently in post-production, the buzzworthy thriller is finally gaining traction as it secures distribution deals across multiple international markets. While it may not be the project fans envisioned for these actors, the creative team behind Fuze promises a compelling reason to watch.

According to an exclusive report by Variety, in addition to Sky acquiring the theatrical rights for the UK and Ireland, Fuze has locked down distribution in several other regions, including Canada, Australia, Indonesia, and Latin America. While it remains unclear if or when the film will hit theaters in the United States, expect updates to emerge as the marketing campaign ramps up for potential buyers. Here’s the official plot synopsis provided by Variety:

The story kicks off with the discovery of an unexploded bomb at a London construction site. The ensuing mass evacuation provides the perfect cover for a major organized crime operation.

Directed by David Mackenzie, known for Hell or High Water, this new thriller could mark his most action-packed project to date, following his work on Netflix’s Outlaw King, Under the Banner of Heaven, and Starred Up. The supporting cast of Fuze includes Sam Worthington, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Elham Ehsas, Honor Swinton-Byrne, and Saffron Hocking. Notably, Mackenzie reunites with Worthington, who also stars in the upcoming 2025 thriller Relay. Taylor-Johnson, too, reconnects with the director after their collaboration on Outlaw King.

Two Bond Contenders Join Forces… But Who Will Be 007?

Before diving into organized crime in Fuze, both Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James have been rumored as frontrunners for the coveted role of James Bond in the upcoming reboot. Taylor-Johnson has been particularly prominent in headlines following his standout performance as Tangerine in Sony’s Bullet Train and his role in the critically panned Kraven the Hunter. While his Bond prospects may have taken a hit, Theo James, star of The White Lotus, remains a fan favorite for the iconic spy role. However, it seems Amazon MGM Studios and longtime franchise producer Barbara Broccoli are considering a fresh direction for 007.

It’s worth noting that despite the rumors surrounding both actors, many believe the studio will opt for a less predictable choice. As in the past, the next Bond could be a relative unknown or a bold casting decision reminiscent of Pierce Brosnan’s surprise selection years ago. One detail that may stir debate among longtime fans is the reported shift toward a lighter, more quippy version of the spy hero. With Amazon MGM Studios now influencing the franchise, James Bond could look vastly different from Daniel Craig’s gritty, emotionally charged portrayal.

Source: MovieWeb