One key James Bond actor does not think they will be returning for Bond 26. The search for a new James Bond continues as Skyfall star Daniel Craig has stepped down from the role after 2021's No Time To Die. While the next James Bond has yet to be chosen, there have long been names circulating on the internet, including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, and Michael Fassbender. In March of this year, it was reported that Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be the next James Bond, but those rumors have not been confirmed.

As per Deadline, Ben Whishaw responds to whether he would return as Q for Bond 26. The actor mentions that he doesn't "think [he's] going to be in the next one." While Whishaw was clear to mention that this is based on his "hunch" and has "no idea" in truth, he said that he "think[s] they're going to start all over again, and with a new cast." Even though Whishaw believes this to be true, he notes that "if they asked [him], [he] would do it." Check out the full quote from Whishaw below:

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.

I think it might need a new lease of life and a whole new group of people. But if they asked me, I would do it, of course.

What Whishaw's Statement Means For Bond 26

Whishaw Has Spoken Out About His Bond Future Before

This is not the first time Whishaw has spoken out about his return for Bond 26. Last year, the actor mentioned that he "was only contracted to do three films, and they're done." Whishaw's Bond tenure included Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die, all of which were included in the Craig-led Bond era. The actor's most recent statement seems consistent with what he said last year, as he also noted that the series should "keep renewing." Both times, Whishaw did not completely rule out the possibility of him participating in Bond 26.

Whishaw does it that his thoughts on Bond 26 are far from the end-all, be-all, as he is going based on his guesses and not any concrete information. However, if Whishaw did turn out to be correct, it would mean the end of the line for other Bond actors. In many ways, this would make sense, as Craig is gone, M is dead, and therefore the key players could easily be reset.

Why Whishaw Should Stay In Bond 26

His Q Return Could Provide Continuity

As a huge fan of Whishaw's work in everything from The Lobster to Paddington, I would hate to see him go for Bond 26. The actor makes a sound point about the need for reinvention, and I cannot deny its validity. However, with so many major changes in the Bond franchise, there could also be something refreshing about Bond 26 having a familiar face. Whether Bond 26 decides to recast Whishaw or not remains to be seen as early development continues.

Source: Deadline