Since Daniel Craig’s exit from the popular spy action franchise, James Bond, there have eagerly awaited to see a new actor take on the mantle of the super spy. While Aaron Taylor-Johnson has become the frontrunner to replace Craig, there has been no official update regarding the same.
Amid speculations about who can take over the iconic role, Ben Whishaw, who starred alongside the former Bond, has hinted that he may not reprise his role as Q while suggesting that the franchise could be gearing up for a complete reboot.
Ben Whishaw Hints at a Potential James Bond Reboot
Daniel Craig’s third installment in James Bond franchise, Skyfall, introduced Ben Whishaw as the gadget master Q, a popular character from the spy action franchise, previously portrayed by actors like Desmond Llewelyn and John Cleese.
After making his debut with the 2012 film, he reprised his role alongside Craig in Spectre and No Time to Die, with the latter marking the end of Craig’s tenure as the MI6 agent.
And recently, Whishaw has suggested that his journey as Q might also be coming to an end. In a recent interview with BBC, the actor reflected on his future in the franchise.
“I don’t think I’m going to be in the next one,” he said, as per Deadline. Although he shared he is not sure, he expressed a little hope of getting the call to return. He also speculated that the franchise is likely to undergo a reboot with a new cast.
I think they’re going to start all over again, and with a new cast, a completely new cast. I think that’s my hunch, but I don’t know. I have no idea.
However, despite the looming uncertainty, he remained enthusiastic about returning as Q, saying that he would gladly reprise his role as the tech expert if offered the opportunity.
Why Ben Whishaw’s Q Should Stay in Next Era of James Bond?
The future of the James Bond franchise has been uncertain since the release of No Time to Die in 2021, including the question of who will step into the iconic role next. While Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a rumored frontrunner, nothing has been confirmed.
Whishaw suggested that there are plans to start fresh, it could risk undermining everything Daniel Craig’s Bond developed and left behind throughout his tenure in the franchise.
Unlike previous Bonds, Craig’s character evolved significantly over his five-film tenure, grappling with a deeply personal story. The unique ending of his Bond era also underscores the importance of continuity and consistence in the franchise’s handling of its key character.
Additionally, Whishaw has redefined the role, bringing a modern version of the gadget master to the screens. The character not only established a strong chemistry with the ensemble cast, but also won over many with his performance.
Replacing him or starting fresh with a potential reboot would disrupt the continuity and emotional depth that the Craig era successfully established.
However, by continuing with the progress made so far would allow to maintain a sense of consistency with a fresh Bond, likely Aaron Taylor-Johnson, taking the lead and bridging the old with the new and preserving a key link to the modernized Bond world.
Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies are available on Apple TV+.
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