MUMBAI: Now that the casting of the James Bond film Skyfall is nearing finalization, Ben Whishaw has been cast to play gadget maestro Q in the film. Whishaw‘s role would be that of the MI6 boffin who traditionally dishes out the gadgetry to 007 for his missions.

The actor joins the cast led by Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney among others, is reported to have been assigned the role for the Sam Mendes directed actioner.

It is very heartening to note that Whishaw will be the first Q in the franchise‘s history to be younger than 007. While he is 31, Craig is 43.

Q is a James Bond staple for older 007 fans as he hasn‘t appeared in a Bond adventure since 2002‘s Die Another Day when John Cleese essayed the role.

For the previous 36 years, the gadget whizz and inventor had been played by Desmond Llewelyn.

Skyfall is scheduled to release in the UK and Ireland in October 2012 and later in November the same year in November.