Ben Whishaw Says James Bond Needs to Be ‘Reinvented’

Ben Whishaw has shared his thoughts on the future of the James Bond franchise, suggesting that the iconic spy series needs to undergo a complete reinvention before returning to the big screen.

The actor, best known to Bond audiences for playing Q opposite Daniel Craig, believes the world has changed considerably since the release of No Time to Die in 2021, meaning the next chapter needs to find a new sense of relevance. Speaking to The Sunday Times, 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.”

Whishaw appeared in three instalments of the franchise, making his debut as Q in Sam Mendes‘ Skyfall (2012), before returning for Spectre (2015) and Cary Joji Fukunaga‘s No Time to Die (2021). Taking over the role from John Cleese, he became a familiar face throughout Craig’s tenure as the British secret agent.

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However, the actor also reflected on some of the limitations of his character’s representation, describing the treatment of Q’s sexuality as “unsatisfying”. Although the character briefly references a date with another man in No Time to Die, the subject is never explored further. Whishaw, who came out as gay in 2013, has previously spoken about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation on screen. With the search for Craig‘s successor reportedly reaching its final stages, speculation continues to surround potential candidates, including Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Josh O’Connor.

The next Bond film is already in development, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached to direct and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are also on board. While Whishaw admitted that he rarely thinks about his time in the franchise, he acknowledged the excitement surrounding the casting process, describing its secrecy as part of the spectacle.

For now, audiences will have to wait and see what direction the franchise takes as it prepares to introduce a new era of 007.

About the Author

Megan Hilborne

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Megan is a freelance writer and film critic based in Portsmouth. She graduated with a degree in Film in 2020 and has continued her study of the medium in her day-to-day life. She takes particular interest in indie, horror, feminist and queer cinema. Some of her writing credits include an interview with Academy Award winner Sean Baker and Time’s 2025 Most Influential People inductee Mo Abudu.

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