The Jewish Chronicle

Racists will boycott Bond if Jewish actor lands 007 role

- BY ROSA DOHERTY

RACISTS FILM fans have said they will boycott James Bond films if Jewish actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is given the role.

Since he was announced as a potential star last week he has been subject to antisemiti­c attacks online and the hashtag #BoycottJam­esBond has been widely shared on X/Twitter.

One person wrote: “Really bad timing with Israel committing genocide in Gaza. Shame on you. I hope your company collapses.”

The actor was “formally offered” the role of James Bond in the popular movie franchise, according to a report in the Sun.

Speculatio­n began early last year when Taylor-Johnson, 33, known for his versatilit­y across roles in Kick-Ass, Bullet Train and Nowhere Boy, was rumoured to have met Bond producer Barbara Broccoli for a secret audition, after which he became the frontrunne­r for the coveted role. One fan of the films wrote on Instagram: “Boycott Bond, Free Palestine.” Other have said: “I wont buy a ticket for any of its movies. Will boycott all of it. Bunch of killers.”

In 2015, Taylor-Johnson said in an interview he was pleased when someone told him he resembled a fashionabl­e Chasidic Jew.

“That was nice because I have really curly hair and also I’m Jewish,” he said. Asked this month whether he would step into Bond’s shoes, the actor, who is married to film director Sam Taylor-Johnson, 57, said: “I find it charming and wonderful.”

Incidents of antisemiti­c hate crime has risen sharply in the months after the Hamas attack on Israel. The Community Security Trust said the surge in recorded hate incidents was “shocking”. Jewish Tory MP Andrew Percy said: “Sadly in recent months we have seen record levels of antisemiti­sm, much of it driven by those who claim to be concerned about the Middle East conflict. “Sadly, we know for many this is just a cover for their sinister anti-Jewish views.”

 ?? ?? Rumoured choice: Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Rumoured choice: Aaron Taylor-Johnson

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