Ben Whishaw to play Q in new Bond film?

London: Actor Ben Whishaw is reportedly set to take over the role of Q - 007's gadget guru - in the forthcoming James Bond film 'Skyfall'.

The 30-year-old actor, who is best known for roles in 'Layer Cake' and 'Brideshead Revisited', says it would be very different to be the part of the Sam Mendes-directed movie, Daily Express reported.

"He'll be far more serious," a source said. With his character, Whishaw is younger than previous incarnations of Q, whose job is to supply Bond with the latest technology.

John Cleese, 72, took over the role from the late Desmond Llewelyn who appeared in 17 films.

Though Mendes has confirmed Whishaw is in the film, out next year, but has not disclosed his role.