Grant Kirkhope, the composer behind the music for beloved N64 titles like Donkey Kong 64 and the Banjo-Kazooie series, has expressed a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding the possibility of a new Banjo-Kazooie game. "It's been almost 30 years since Banjo-Tooie launched, and composer Grant Kirkhope thinks a Banjo-Kazooie sequel could be more likely these days," according to Eurogamer.
Historically, Kirkhope felt there was "zero chance" of a sequel, but this sentiment has now evolved to a "slight chance." This shift in perspective is attributed to potential changes within Rare's leadership and Xbox Game Studios. Kirkhope believes that with the departure of former studio head Craig Duncan from Xbox Game Studios, the environment might be "a little bit different right now" and potentially "a bit more open to discussion."
Despite this glimmer of hope, Kirkhope revealed that several external attempts to revive the franchise have been unsuccessful. "I do know of like three companies that have actually physically pitched to Microsoft or to Rare about making another Banjo-Kazooie game, and I don't think anyone was successful," he stated. He also suggested that Rare is currently too occupied with other projects to develop a new Banjo platformer in-house.
Kirkhope indicated that Xbox might be more receptive to established franchises, which could pave the way for a Banjo-Threeie. If such a project were to materialize, Kirkhope expressed his eagerness to be involved, exclaiming, "Sign me up."
Reports from over a year ago also suggested interest from Toys for Bob, the studio behind Spyro: A Realm Reborn. Co-studio head Paul Yan had hinted that the team could "have a lot of fun" reviving Banjo, similar to their work on the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro franchises.