Doctor Who is BBC’s long-running sci-fi series, based on the titular character, the Doctor—a time lord who appears to be a human. He explores the universe in a time-traveling spaceship known as the TARDIS.
Nineteen actors have played the role so far. While there are 15 Doctors officially in the series, due to alternative versions of the character, there have actually been 19 different incarnations of the Time Lord over the years.
It means that the Fifteenth Doctor will be the next incarnation of the Doctor. He is set to be portrayed by Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa.
With the British sci-fi series celebrating its 60th anniversary, it is marking another major milestone after casting its first queer Black actor to play the Doctor. But the actor who will be portraying the character still can’t believe he’s finally in the show.
Ncuti Gatwa Expresses Amazement at Being Part of Doctor Who
In an interview with GQ magazine, Ncuti Gatwa opened up about his surprise at becoming the next Doctor in the famous Doctor Who series. The actor recounted the day when he auditioned in front of Davies (the showrunner of the series):
“I almost forgot about [the audition] as soon as I left the room because there was just no way. Because there’s life, and then there’s life.”
The 31-years-old thinks of himself as “a good actor,” but he stated:
“This is a 60-year-long British institution and I’m a Black man, so I never thought that I’d be chosen to front something that is basically the heart of the BBC.”
The Nyarugenge native said that he “almost forgot about [the audition]” as soon as he left the room because “there was just no way [he thought he could get selected].”
Gatwa’s shocking reaction is valid. But as he’s now finally in the series, the upcoming 60th anniversary has become the most anticipated.
Ncuti Gatwa Portrayal in the Doctor Who Promises Diversity and Inclusivity
After being in 32 episodes as the 13th Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker is officially stepping down from the role and handing the reigns to Gatwa.
And there’s no doubt that Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor is most anticipated for Whovians. It’s because, with his portrayal, he becomes the first ever Black actor to lead the series. This will represent more inclusivity and diversity to the forefront.
Apart from being a representation in the sci-fi series, his casting also adds a personal touch to the character. But now, the closer it gets to the 60th anniversary, the more obvious it becomes that Gatwa will be playing a much larger role than what was first expected.
Doctor Who (2023 Special) is set to air on 25 November. It has three specials, which will conclude on 9 December 2023.
