Would original Banjo-Kazooie composer Grant Kirkhope return to score a new entry in the series? Absolutely. Does he think there will be a sequel for the 3D platformer? Let’s just say he’s not holding his breath.

Kirkhope chatted with Eurogamer about the chances of a new Banjo-Kazooie. “I just think it’s unlikely,” said Kirkhope. He sees a couple of obstacles to the franchise returning, such as finding the right developer (since Rare is unlikely in his estimation) and the size of the fanbase. “If you think I’ve got a hundred and something thousand followers on my Twitter, and that’s the Banjo bubble, if that’s all it is then that’s not going to make any money,” Kirkhope said. “You need millions of people to buy the game, and you’ve got to sell it to a whole new generation of kids.”

If Rare is out of the picture, Crash Bandicoot 4 and Spyro Reignited Trilogy developer Toys For Bob has expressed interest in bringing back Banjo-Kazooie. Kirkhope is aware of this but still questions Microsoft signing off on the project. “Whether Microsoft would give the OK, I don’t know,” the composer said. “… Zero [hope] is probably a bit of a heavy estimate. It’s probably better than zero but not much.”

This isn’t the first time Kirkhope has been pessimistic about a new Banjo-Kazooie game. In 2023, the composer was consistent with his current message about finding the right studio (and humor) for a new entry. Plus, again, Kirkhope seems unconvinced there are a ton of Banjo fans out there these days.

Banjo-Kazooie is playable for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on the hybrid console. Banjo-Tooie arrived on the subscription service this past October.