The Doctor is here! As Jodie WhittakerTime-traveling academies are about to be closed Doctor Who, a new time lord Ncuti GatwaIt is still waiting.
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honored, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared,” the Sex Education The 29-year-old alum gushed in a statement via the Doctor Who official website. “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 endeavor my upmost to do the same.”
He continued: “[Showrunner] Russell T. DaviesHe is almost as iconic and beloved as the Doctor himself, so it is a dream to be able to work alongside him. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger: an actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team has been so welcoming and have given their hearts to the show. … Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart, but I am giving it all to this show.”
Gatwa takes control of the Doctor Who mantle from Whittaker, who portrayed the 13th Doctor for three seasons on the BBC hit.
“In 2017, I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them,” the England native, 39, confirmed her series exit in July 2021 in a BBC statement. “I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever.”
She added: “My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life. I can’t thank you enough Chris [Chibnall]Thank you so much for trusting me with your amazing stories. We knew we wanted to ride the wave together and pass the baton. So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had.”
The British series aired from 1963 to 1989, before being resurrected in 2005. On the show, a “Doctor” explores the universe via a time-traveling spaceship, otherwise known as a TARDIS. The Black Mirror alum — who became the first female Doctor during her show tenure — took over from predecessors Peter Capaldi, David TennantAnd Matt Smith.
Gatwa for his part and the BBC team have plans to shake up the beloved sci fi series with the new cast.
“The future is here and it’s Ncuti,” Davies, 59, noted in a Sunday statement. “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.”
Whittaker’s run as the 13th Doctor is set to come to an end this fall before Gatwa’s version officially takes over next year.
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