Ben Whishaw says James Bond franchise must be completely reinvented
The actor who played Q in three Bond films says the series must be overhauled for its next installment.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ben Whishaw, who portrayed Q in three James Bond movies, told The Sunday Times the franchise "needs to be reinvented completely" as the search for the next 007 reaches its final stages.
What happened
Whishaw, 46, appeared as Q alongside Daniel Craig in Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die (2021). In a recent interview he said the world has changed since the last Bond film and the series must find relevance for modern audiences.
What the reports add
Both Independent articles cite Whishaw’s interview with The Sunday Times. The longer piece adds that Whishaw finds his Bond character "unsatisfying" because a brief mention of his sexuality is not explored further. He also comments on the hype surrounding the casting of Craig’s successor, describing the secrecy as "almost like being a spy" and noting that actors only receive the pages of the script that involve them.
What was said
Whishaw said, "The world has changed so much since the last Bond film so you have to find what is relevant about it. I think it needs to be reinvented completely. But it’s not for me to say," as reported by Independent.
He added, "People go crazy about it. It's all deliberate hype. When you are working on it, it's incredibly secretive, almost like being a spy. You only get the pages of the script that you are in. It’s a ploy to create suspense and glamour, but it’s kind of fun," also cited by Independent.
How it came about
The comments arrive as casting for the next Bond is reportedly nearing its conclusion. Four actors were screened in late October, with Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor confirmed participants. Denis Villeneuve’s involvement as director was announced earlier in October, and Steven Knight is writing the screenplay. Whishaw’s remarks therefore join a broader conversation about the franchise’s future direction.
Key facts
- Ben Whishaw says the James Bond franchise needs a total reinvention. (independent.co.uk)
- Whishaw played Q in three Bond films: Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die. (independent.co.uk)
- The search for the next Bond is in its final stages, with Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor linked to the role. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-16 — Denis Villeneuve confirmed as director of the next Bond film.
- 2026-10-24 — Callum Turner began screen tests for the next Bond.
- 2026-10-31 — Four actors, including Turner, Lowden and O’Connor, screened for the role.
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