EXCLUSIVE: James Bond’s Ben Whishaw on playing Q in new film Spectre: “Oh my goodness – I’m in a Bond film!”

The 34-year-old British actor is reprising his role as the nerdy Q

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by Emmeline Saunders |
Published on

Earlier today the cast for the new Bond film Spectre was announced, with Daniel Craig returning to his 007 role and Sherlock’s Andrew Scott put forward as the brand new baddie.

And we did a tiny yelp of joy when we found out Ben Whishaw was coming back to help James Bond as Q in the British Secret Service.

The role, which has been made famous by acting royalty like John Cleese, Peter Burton and Desmond Llewelyn, will be Ben’s second time in the Bond franchise after his turn in 2012’s Skyfall.

We caught up with the 34-year-old at this morning’s press launch to give him a right good grilling.

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What do you make of the new additions to the cast?

“I think they’re incredibly interesting, I’m such an admirer of all these actors who are joining the team. Lea Seydoux and Christoph Waltz and Andrew Scott… Monica Bellucci. It’s really rich and wonderful.

What’s it like to be part of the Bond franchise as an actor?

“To be honest it’s a lot like any other job, apart from occasions like this, when you’re suddenly confronted with the reality and you hear the theme tune and there’s people and this amazing spectacle, but day-to-day it’s like doing anything else. It’s only on days like these you’re like, ‘Oh my goodness – I’m in a Bond film!’ and it feels massive and a bit daunting.

How conscious are you that you’d be part of history?

“You can’t dwell too much on that. [But] I have had a little moment, yes!

Tell us about the gadgets – do you know what Q will be tinkering with in Spectre?

“I’m definitely not allowed to say anything, but there’s a few more than last time.”

Who’s your dream theme song artist?

“I actually know who it is, but I can’t say. If I did I’d be hauled into someone’s office and given some very stern looks…”

Spectre is due for global release on 6 November 2015.

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