Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a British actor known for his versatility and dynamic performances in both action-packed blockbusters and emotionally charged dramas. Over the years, he has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. From his early roles to his breakout performances in superhero films, here’s a look at Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s career, notable movies, and what makes him one of the most engaging actors of his generation.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Aaron Taylor-Johnson was born on June 13, 1990, in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. He showed an interest in acting from a young age and began pursuing it professionally in his teens. His career took off when he starred in the television series Nearly Famous (2006), where he portrayed a teenager named Jamie, which set the stage for his future in the film industry.
However, it was his performance in the film Kick-Ass (2010) that truly put him on the map, establishing him as a rising star in Hollywood.
Key Movies in Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Career
Kick-Ass (2010)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Nicholas Cage
- Role: Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass
- Kick-Ass is one of Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s most iconic roles. In the film, he plays an ordinary teenager who decides to become a real-life superhero despite having no special powers or training. The film was a massive success for its irreverent take on the superhero genre, and Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal of the awkward yet determined protagonist earned him widespread recognition.
Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero
- Director: Jeff Wadlow
- Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey
- Role: Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass
- The sequel to Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass 2 continues the story of Dave Lizewski as he navigates life as a superhero and teams up with other masked vigilantes. While the film was not as well-received as the original, Taylor-Johnson’s performance was praised for maintaining the character’s charm and awkwardness.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Superhero
- Director: Joss Whedon
- Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Role: Pietro Maximoff / Quicksilver
- In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Taylor-Johnson played Pietro Maximoff, aka Quicksilver, a character with superhuman speed. While his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was short-lived (due to the character’s death in the film), his role marked a significant point in his career, connecting him to the world of blockbuster superhero films.
Godzilla (2014)
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Director: Gareth Edwards
- Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen
- Role: Ford Brody
- In Godzilla, Taylor-Johnson played Ford Brody, a military man who is caught in the chaos caused by the reawakening of the massive creature. The film revitalized the Godzilla franchise and was a commercial success, with Taylor-Johnson’s performance praised for adding emotional depth to the otherwise action-heavy film.
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Director: Tom Ford
- Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Role: Ray Marcus
- In Nocturnal Animals, Taylor-Johnson played a chilling role as Ray Marcus, a violent and disturbed man in a gripping psychological drama. The film, directed by Tom Ford, was highly praised, and Taylor-Johnson’s performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor, showcasing his ability to play complex, darker roles.
Tom & Jerry (2021)
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
- Director: Tim Story
- Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Colin Jost, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Role: Ben
- In this live-action/animated hybrid, Taylor-Johnson played Ben, one of the main human characters in the chaotic world of Tom & Jerry. This family-friendly movie showed his range as an actor, stepping into a role that was much lighter and more comedic compared to his previous, more intense performances.
The Wall (2017)
- Genre: War, Thriller
- Director: Doug Liman
- Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, John Cena
- Role: Isaac
- In The Wall, Taylor-Johnson plays a soldier trapped behind a crumbling wall during the Iraq War. The film is a tense psychological thriller that focuses on survival and human resilience, with Taylor-Johnson giving a standout performance.
Bullet Train (2022)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
- Director: David Leitch
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Role: Tangerine
- Bullet Train is an action-packed film where Taylor-Johnson plays one half of a pair of British assassins, alongside Brian Tyree Henry. The film features plenty of humor and thrilling action sequences, and Taylor-Johnson’s performance as the charming and deadly assassin received positive reviews.
Other Notable Projects
- Nowhere Boy (2009): In this biographical drama, Taylor-Johnson portrays John Lennon during his teenage years before he became a member of The Beatles. This early role helped establish his talent for playing real-life figures and was critically acclaimed.
- Savages (2012): Directed by Oliver Stone, Savages is a crime thriller where Taylor-Johnson plays Chon, one of two marijuana dealers who find themselves entangled with a dangerous cartel.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been recognized for his talent and versatility. Some of his notable awards and nominations include:
- Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Nocturnal Animals (2017)
- BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination (2010)
- MTV Movie Awards nominations for his role in Kick-Ass
Personal Life
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is married to director Sam Taylor-Johnson, whom he met while filming Nowhere Boy. The couple has two daughters together, and their relationship has drawn public attention due to their age difference (Taylor-Johnson is 23 years younger than his wife). Despite the media attention, the couple remains strong and private about their personal life.
Future Projects
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s career continues to evolve with a mix of major blockbusters and more intimate, character-driven roles. He is set to star in 28 Years Later (2025), the highly anticipated sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, a post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Danny Boyle. This marks another step into the world of genre-defining films, adding to his impressive list of roles.
Summary
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has proven himself to be a versatile actor capable of taking on a wide range of roles, from action heroes and anti-heroes to complex dramatic characters. His career is marked by a mix of critically acclaimed performances, memorable blockbuster roles, and the ability to continually challenge himself with diverse characters. As he continues to grow in his career, audiences can expect more powerful performances from this talented actor. Whether in action-packed thrillers, superhero films, or deep, emotional dramas, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has solidified his place as one of the top actors of his generation.