Will Q Return for More Bond Films? Actor Reveals Contract Conditions

Summary

Whishaw's exit as Q allows the Bond franchise to bring back the fantastical elements of the earlier movies.

Bond's recent films have transformed the character into a somber and authentic rendition, devoid of the famous spy gadgets.

Audiences are eager for a return to Bond's lighthearted and carefree escapades, and replacing the character of Q might just be the route to accomplish that.

No Time To Die actor Ben Whishaw has given a straightforward answer to questions about whether he will reprise his role as Q in the next James Bond film. Whishaw first appeared as the MI-6 Quartermaster in Skyfall in 2012, following in the footsteps of Desmond Llewelyn and John Cleese. Q's debut was in From Russia with Love in 1963, replacing Major Boothroyd, and the character has since appeared in 22 of the 25 official James Bond movies.

In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Whishaw was asked about the future of the franchise after Daniel Craig's Bond was killed off in the previous film, and if he himself would return. Whishaw suggested that the franchise needs to constantly reinvent itself to continue, and revealed that he was only contracted for three films, making his return unlikely. See his comments below:

Why James Bond’s Next Q Could Be The Key To Bringing The Franchise Back To Its Roots

Whishaw's comments indicate that he will not reprise his role in future Bond films, which is disappointing. However, his departure provides an opportunity for producers to infuse the franchise with the imaginative elements seen in earlier movies. Throughout the years, Q and MI-6's Q Branch have supplied 007 and his fellow agents with a diverse range of equipment that often pushed the limits of believability. While some of the gadgets may seem impractical in more realistic espionage thrillers, they were once seen as almost as iconic as Bond's favorite drink.

However, when Craig took on the role in the film Casino Royale in 2006, a decision was made to completely revamp the character into a more serious and realistic version of Ian Fleming's beloved spy. This meant that many of the familiar elements that previous bond actors relied on were cast aside. Even when Q made a comeback in the film Skyfall in 2012, the fantastical gadgets like invisible cars and exploding pens were abandoned, and instead, Whishaw's Q provided 007 with a new gun and a miniaturized radio.

Whishaw, as a younger Q who specializes in computer security, was the ideal contrast to Craig's more down-to-earth Bond. However, with both actors seemingly finished with the franchise, many viewers are eager to see James Bond return to the lighthearted and entertaining adventures of his earlier days. Introducing a Q character in No Time To Die who is wise and sarcastic, capable of equipping the next Bond with a wide array of elaborate gadgets, would be the perfect solution to achieve this desired outcome.

Source: RadioTimes.com