James Bond star reveals why he won’t be in the next film-Rebecca Sayce-Entertainment – Metro

Ben Whishaw is unsure whether he will return to the franchise (Picture: Nicola Dove/MGM/THA/REX/Shutterstock)

Ben Whishaw has opened up on why he won’t be in the next James Bond film, but he is open to a future return

The actor, 43, played equipment outfitter Q in Spectre and Skyfall as well as in the last film with Daniel Craig as 007, 2021’s No Time To Die.

As Queer star Craig says goodbye to the superspy role, fans have been left wondering who is set to replace him as rumours swirl over the coveted spot.

Bullet Train actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Man Of Steel and The Witcher star Henry Cavill, Snowfall’s Damson Idris, Oppenheimer actor Cillian Murphy and Luther star Idris Elba have all previously been touted to play the secret agent.

Whishaw, also known for his roles in the Paddington movies and NHS drama This Is Going To Hurt, has shared why he doesn’t think Q will return for another adventure.

‘I don’t think I’m going to be in the next one. 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,’ he said during an interview with BBC One’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

Whishaw has played Q in the film series for three outings (Picture: Danjaq/Eon Productions/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

The actor admitted he isn’t sure whether he will return to the next film (Credits: Danjaq/Eon Productions/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

He said he would return to the franchise if he was asked (Picture: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

However, he didn’t rule out returning to the future as he admitted ‘I’d do it if they asked me’.

‘But I… think it might need a kind of new lease of life and a whole new group of people,’ he clarified.

‘I think it could be good for it, but if they asked me, I would do it, of course.’

Fans have also speculated about who could be the next Bond girl, with Michelle Keegan topping polls following her appearance in hit series Fool Me Once.

Former Bond girl Gemma Arterton recently opened up on a particularly mortifying moment on set when she was filming Quantum of Solace.

Speaking to Radio Times, she recalled: ‘I remember being on a set once and the director said, “You’re going to shag on the bed.”‘

Gemma Arterton recently opened up on an awkward moment filming Quantum of Solace (Picture: Getty Images)

She immediately objected, pointing out that the scene had been written as off-camera. ‘I’d never have accepted the role if it was going to be filmed,’ she clarified.

‘The other actor, God bless him, was mortified. There were very high-profile people there.’

Craig, meanwhile, refused to engage with a question about his former career-making part when asked at the Venice Film Festival press conference if the next Bond could be gay.

The actor sighed in response as he reached for a glass of water and was heard to mutter, ‘I mean, please…’

Director Guadagnino interjected with, ‘Guys, let’s be adult in the room for a second.’

‘There is no way around the fact that nobody would ever know James Bond’s desires, period,’ he added, while Craig listened and gazed into the distance.

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