Doctor Who is reaching the end of another era. Chris Chibnall is soon departing and handing the reins back to Russell T Davies. Russell is popular with fans for rebooting the series in 2005. It’s him who brought Doctor Who back into the zeitgeist and created new fans (including myself). Before he arrives, Chris still has one episode left in him. It seems like the final episode will be 90 minutes long in October.
It’s unsurprising it’ll that long as it includes Daleks, Cybermen, the Master, the return of two classic companions and needs to wrap up The Doctor and her companion’s stories. Also, Jodie Whittaker deserves a long goodbye given the shakiness of her era that had nothing to do with her. As the first female Doctor, Jodie always had a target on her back but she more than proved she has what it takes to hang with every other actor who took on the role. It’ll be a shame to see her go, especially when her Doctor under Russell could have been amazing.
While it’s the end for her, it doesn’t mean it’s the end for the character. Tom Baker’s final words sum it up perfectly: “it’s the end but the moment has been prepared for”.
The fourteenth Doctor is taking the guise of Rwandan/Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa. For those who may not recognise his name, you’ll know him from Sex Education. Ncuti plays Eric Effiong in the Netflix series and has become a meme sensation because of it. This also marks the fourth Scottish actor to take on the role along with Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi.
You can also see Ncuti in Horrible Histories: the Movie and The Last Letter From Your Lover. He’s currently filming an undisclosed part in Gerta Gerwig’s Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie.
In the official press release Ncuti had this to say about his casting:
“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.
Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. 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. 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.”
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