British comedian John Cleese will not play eccentric inventor Q in the next James Bond film, because movie bosses have removed the character.

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"If I'm told that is there is a Q, I will be Q," the former Monty Python star said. "But unfortunately, I don't believe there's a Q in the current version of the script."

Martin Campbell, the director of the next Bond movie, "Casino Royale," has said his plans for a serious, realistic Bond movie would be undermined by the humorous Q character, Ireland.online reported Monday.

Campbell promised that the 21st Bond film in the series "will be a grittier, tougher and more realistic Bond movie."

"We'll be getting away from the huge visual effects and comic relief," Campbell said.