Ben Whishaw, the actor behind the iconic Bond character Q, has hinted that he may not return for the next Bond instalment, Bond 26. Whishaw, who was first introduced as Q in the 2012 film Skyfall, has been a fan favourite for his fresh take on the character.
However, with the news that James Bond himself will be recast, Whishaw is not sure if he will be returning to the role.
While promoting his new film at Sundance, Ben Whishaw was interviewed by Screen Rant about his future involvement in the James Bond franchise. He stated that he has not received any updates and that it’s possible that the franchise will start fresh with a new cast, which could mean he will not be returning as Q.
This sentiment follows the trend set by the latest Bond film, No Time to Die, which killed off Daniel Craig’s Bond in the final moments of his tenure. This marks a shift in the franchise and opens the door for a new cast in the next Bond film.
In the past, Bond movies have kept supporting characters like Q, M and Miss Moneypenny consistent even as a new James Bond was introduced. However, No Time To Die set a new precedent for the franchise.
Whishaw’s Q brought a fresh perspective to the character and is a fan favourite, but whether he returns could depend on the approach Bond 26 takes.
The James Bond franchise is one of the most popular and longest-running film franchises, and it started with Dr No in 1962. Bond 26 could make for a perfect chance to find a balance between the character-driven plots of Craig’s Bond and the light-hearted tone of previous Bond movies.
Whishaw’s Q could easily fit into the next Bond film, but his uncertainty about a return shows that anything is possible for the franchise’s future.
