A new take on an old favorite for the next James Bond movie. BCC News reports that Ben Whishaw will be playing Q in Skyfall. This will be the first appearance of the gadget guru in a 007 film starring Daniel Craig.
Q is the genius behind 007’s arsenal in the movie series. Desmond Llewelyn first played Q in 1963’s From Russia, With Love and appeared in every Bond movie except Live and Let Die until his death in 1999. Llewelyn’s final appearance was in The World Is Not Enough. The Quartermaster appeared briefly in the first film Doctor No. John Cleese played Q once in Die Another Day.
Q is the head of Q branch. The fictional section of the British Secret Service provides agents with life saving gadgets and vehicles. Q’s real name is Major Geoffrey Boothroyd in the Ian Fleming novels.
Llewelyn’s portrayal was always fun and clever with the idea that Q really loathed 007 because the superspy always destroyed his inventions. Q did get some great moments in field particularly in Octopussy and License to Kill.
Ben Whishaw is 12 years younger than Daniel Craig. With modern technology it would make sense that 007’s tech support would be played by a younger actor. MI6 has more on Whishaw’s connections to joining the Bond franchise.
This news brings up great memories. Going to Bond movies was a tradition with my dad. I grew up on Roger Moore and Desmond Llewelyn’s great chemistry and banter. The poison dart shooting watch and the car that turned into a submarine were some of the hilarious Q creations from that era but my favorite was from Octopussy because my dad could never stop talking about the fake horse’s ass flying up to reveal a mini jet inside a horse trailer.
I’m thrilled to welcome Q back to the James Bond movies. Q’s gadgets and getaway vehicles help make the series fun.
In this earlier post I provided some comic book adventures of James Bond published by Dark Horse Comics.
It’s about time.
So exciting! Should add some much needed fun and witty banter to the mix in the next movie.