Aaron Taylor-Johnson steps into ‘Werwulf’ as filming begins in the UK—what’s next for the 28 Years Later star amid fresh Bond chatter

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s fall calendar just got sharper. Filming is underway in the United Kingdom on Werwulf, a medieval horror epic from the director behind The Witch and Nosferatu, with Taylor-Johnson leading a cast that also includes Lily-Rose Depp and Willem Dafoe. The production start this week signals the actor’s latest pivot into prestige genre territory while his summer hit 28 Years Later continues its international rollout and industry rumor mills keep spinning about the next 007.

‘Werwulf’ begins: a darker, medieval turn for Taylor-Johnson

Set in 13th-century England, Werwulf is described internally as the filmmaker’s bleakest script yet—grim, elemental, and rooted in folklore rather than modern myth. Taylor-Johnson plays the title role, putting his physical intensity to work in a story that leans on practical environments, night exteriors, and a soundscape built for theatrical dread. Early location work this month centers on studio builds and woodlands, with additional exterior sequences scheduled as weather windows allow heading into November.

Why this matters for his trajectory:

• Prestige genre lane: After a high-octane run through action and comic-book fare, Taylor-Johnson is stacking auteur collaborations that travel on awards ballots as easily as they do at the box office.

• Physical storytelling: From Bullet Train to 28 Years Later, he’s carved a niche as an actor who can carry bruising set pieces without sacrificing character beats. Werwulf extends that balance into period horror.

The film is targeting a late-2026 theatrical berth, positioning it as the director’s follow-up showcase after this year’s gothic breakout.

‘28 Years Later’ momentum and the two-sequel plan

Taylor-Johnson’s summer turn in 28 Years Later—as a survivalist archer wrestling with fatherhood and apocalypse fatigue—helped re-ignite a dormant franchise. With a second chapter, The Bone Temple, already dated for early next year and a third film in development, the series gives him sustained global visibility. The creative team designed the trilogy with rotating focal points, so Taylor-Johnson’s exact screen time in Part 2 remains a creative choice rather than a guarantee; expect marketing to keep specifics close to the vest until final trailers land.

Key takeaway: Whether front-and-center or in a strategic handoff, he’s now tied to one of the few non-superhero franchises that can open worldwide on name recognition and concept alone.

The Bond drumbeat: noise vs. news

Speculation that Aaron Taylor-Johnson will inherit the tuxedo refuses to die down, resurfacing again this month across fan polls and red-carpet questions. As of this week, there is no official casting announcement—and recent comments from the actor and producers remain deliberately noncommittal. Until a studio stamps a press release, treat every “confirmation” as just that: rumor.

What is true—and relevant—is the profile fit: British, mid-30s, action-tested, and increasingly credible with prestige directors. If the role goes elsewhere, the steady drumbeat still benefits him: the so-called “Bond uplift” keeps his name in circulation, bolstering leverage for future tentpoles and awards-leaning projects alike.

What the next 12 months look like for Aaron Taylor-Johnson

• Fall–Winter 2025: Principal photography on Werwulf across UK stages and countryside locations; additional pickups possible in early 2026 depending on weather.

• Early 2026: Release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, with press duties shared across the ensemble.

• Mid-2026: Brand/ambassador work continues between shoots; look for one prestige-adjacent campaign and select festival appearances if schedules align.

• Late 2026: Werwulf enters late-stage post; first-look teasers likely tied to genre festivals or holiday tentpoles.

Dates and plans are subject to change as productions move through weather, post-production, and distribution windows.

Why Taylor-Johnson’s choices are resonating

• Range plus recognizability: He can sell a studio thriller, disappear into a character piece, and headline a horror epic without confusing audiences about the promise of the ticket.

• Director-led bets: Aligning with distinctive filmmakers creates a halo that outlasts any single opening weekend.

• Global footing: Franchises like 28 Years Later give him reach; projects like Werwulf give him credibility. Together, they build longevity.

What to watch next

• On-set glimpses: Expect sanctioned stills from Werwulf once signature costumes and sets are locked; unofficial leaks are less likely given the controlled locations.

• Bone Temple marketing: Trailers will clarify whether Taylor-Johnson remains central in Part 2 or cedes spotlight to other survivors before a trilogy capper.

• Bond temperature checks: Ignore anonymous “offers” and watch for tangible milestones—production start dates, director attachments, and official studio posts.

With Werwulf rolling cameras and a revived horror franchise under his belt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is steering his career toward the rare overlap of commercial momentum and auteur credibility. Whether or not the Bond mantle ever lands, the slate already on film is the stronger story—and it’s getting louder by the week.