‘Doctor Who’ Casts Ncuti Gatwa as the 14th Doctor
Doctor Who has found its new Doctor! Sex Education‘s Ncuti Gatwa will pick up the mantle as the series’ 14th Doctor in Season 14.
As previously reported, Jodie Whittaker will end her time in the iconic role this year.
The BBC announced Gatwa’s casting before the 75th Annual BAFTA Awards this year. The actor, who will make the Tardis his own, took to the carpet with returning showrunner Russell T Davies — marking a perfect opportunity to celebrate the news.
Davies hasn’t been Doctor Who‘s showrunner since 2009 — when Christopher Eccleston was the Doctor. Davies caught up with Digital Spy on the BAFTA’s carpet and spoke about the secrecy surrounding Gatwa’s casting.
“We kept this secret for three months, and none of you got it. None of it leaked, none of you even guessed. He’s so brilliant and so popular, it wasn’t even a guess, so we’re feeling a little bit victorious,” Davies said.
Speculation surrounding the next Doctor has been swirling for months, especially as Jodie Whittaker’s time in the Tardis is coming to an end. So, the casting announcement for the 14th Doctor comes as a welcome surprise to Whovians.
Ncuti Gatwa released a statement to BBC about his casting, stating, “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited, and of course a little bit scared.”
“This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same,” Gatwa continued.
The actor discussed his excitement to join the beloved series alongside the return of Russell T Davies, calling Davies “almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true.”
Whovians are well aware of Davies’ impact on the series and the uniqueness that comes from his creative vision.
Gatwa, the Rwandan-Scottish actor, is no different, as he stated, “His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent, and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show.”
The final sentiment of Gatwa’s statement should make any Doctor Who fan feel proud that Ncuti Gatwa will pick up this mantle next year. Gatwa said, “And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”
Russell T Davies returned the sentiment in his statement to BBC: “The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds.”
“It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”
Anyone who has seen Ncuti Gatwa’s incredible and wide-ranging talents as a comedic and dramatic performer in Netflix’s Sex Education knows Russell T Davies is justified in his perception of Gatwa.
As Davies noted, there is still some time before we will see how Gatwa makes the role his own on Doctor Who because we still have to prepare to say goodbye to Jodie Whittaker’s rendition of the role.
It’s always bittersweet to be a Doctor Who fan and know that our time with any given version of the Doctor is limited, but it’s so important to see this show continue to step into the future with its casting of the iconic role.
Though the series began in 1963, Whittaker is the first woman to play the Doctor since she was cast in 2017. On Doctor Who Season 12 Episode 5, “Fugitive of the Judoon,” Jo Martin portrayed the first black female incarnation of the Doctor.
In 2023, Ncuti Gatwa will be the first black man to portray the Doctor as Doctor Who ushers in a new era with Russell T Davies at the helm — again. Davies is right; the future is here!
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.