In The World Is Not Enough an assistant to Q was introduced played by John Cleese. His real name has yet to be revealed, but he is initially credited as R in The World Is Not Enough stemming from a joke in which Bond asks the elder Q: “If you’re Q does that make him R?”

John Cleese as R makes a point to James Bond.

Between films, Cleese was still referred to as “R” in the video game 007 Racing (2000) and in Agent Under Fire (2001) until he was elevated to Q in Die Another Day (2002) following actor Desmond Llewelyn’s death in 1999.

Initially portrayed as rather clumsy, once R was “promoted” to Q he has become more self-assured and more in the style of his predecessor. They both share the same attitude towards their professional work. In almost every film one or the other have said either “I never joke about my work” or “Pay attention” to Bond.

Although having some similarities, Cleese’s Q is a radical departure from Major Boothroyd. From the start, Cleese’s Q never liked Bond based simply from Bond’s reputation of not returning items in pristine condition. When Bond tries to joke with Q, Cleese’s Q is a lot quicker at comebacks than Boothroyd ever was, making him more of a match for Bond in terms of wit. Bond: “You’re cleverer than you look.” Q: “Still, better than looking cleverer than you are.”

See also:

• Bond allies