Q (standing for Quartermaster), like M, is a job title rather than a name. He is the head of Q Branch, the fictional research and development division of the British Secret Service. Q returned to the franchise in 2012's Skyfall after being absent in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. He is portrayed by Ben Whishaw, who was aged 31 as of 2012, marking the first time that an actor playing Q was younger than the one playing Bond.