Aaron Taylor-Johnson debuts bushy beard at Venice amid Bond buzz

Aaron Taylor-Johnson arrived at the Venice International Film Festival this weekend with a markedly different appearance, stepping out at the city’s airport in casual wear before appearing on the red carpet the following day with a bushy beard and curly hair. The 35 year old actor was seen wheeling luggage through Venice on Aug. 29 in a beige jacket, ballcap and casual trousers, then attended the Aug. 30 premiere of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein in a white tuxedo jacket, black trousers and bow tie, his face largely obscured by voluminous facial hair and tight curls.

Taylor-Johnson’s new look drew attention both for its dramatic contrast with recent, neater styles and for the timing amid renewed speculation about who will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond. The actor has signed on as a global ambassador for Omega, the long time watch partner of the 007 franchise, and wore a prominent wristwatch on the Venice red carpet. Bookmakers’ lists have shifted in recent weeks; according to Ladbrokes, Henry Cavill’s odds were shortened while Taylor-Johnson remained listed near the top of the market, though different outlets reported varying positions for each name.