Ben Whishaw confirms he won't return as Q in next James Bond film

Ben Whishaw has confirmed he will not return to the James Bond franchise, declaring that the iconic spy series requires a total overhaul. The actor, who portrayed Q in three films, told The Sunday Times that the world has changed so significantly since the last instalment that the narrative must be "reinvented completely" ^[1].

Whishaw, 46, appeared as the head of Q Branch in Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die, replacing John Cleese in the role ^[2]. Despite his prominent presence in Daniel Craig’s era, the Paddington star stated he rarely thinks about the franchise, adding that it would be "weird" to do so ^[1]. He also noted that his character’s sexuality was mentioned only in passing and felt "unsatisfying" because it was never explored further.

The upcoming 26th Bond film is directed by Denis Villeneuve, with Steven Knight penning the script and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing ^[1]. Whishaw described the intense media speculation surrounding the next 007 actor as "deliberate hype" designed to create suspense and glamour. He revealed that during production, actors receive only their specific script pages, a secrecy he compared to being a spy.

Speculation regarding the new Bond remains feverish since Craig’s departure in 2021. According to The Sun, Callum Turner has resigned from TwentyTwo Films, the production company he founded with Dua Lipa, which is viewed as a move to clear his schedule for the role ^[1]. The Hollywood Reporter claims the shortlist has been narrowed to four names, including Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor.

While the next film is currently untitled, the search for the new lead is believed to be in its final stages ^[2]. Whishaw’s exit marks the end of an era for the supporting cast that anchored Craig’s tenure, leaving producers to determine how to modernise the franchise for a new decade. The story was first reported by Metro and The Independent.