Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa admits feeling fascinated with all the hate he is getting from portraying the 15th Doctor. The Rwandan-Scottish actor rose to fame for his appearance in the Netflix comedy series Sex Education before he was cast in the BBC series in 2022.
The fifteenth incarnation of the Time Lord was a very coveted role for many actors, especially for Gatwa, who beat around 20 other aspirants. Interestingly, fans of the show are not thrilled with his performance.
Doctor Who Star Ncuti Gatwa Claps Back At Haters
In his interview with Variety, actor Ncuti Gatwa said he is savoring every moment and he is not letting the outside noise affect him. He believes that every new actor who takes on the role contributes unique stories and interpretations.
“Doctor’s not letting this one go. That’s what the show is, isn’t it? There’s always new actors coming in and doing different things.”
For the haters, he has only a couple of words for them: “Don’t watch. Turn off the TV. Go and touch grass, please, for God’s sake.” He could not believe how people have the energy to hate and harass actors. He shared with Attitude magazine via Yahoo:
“The hate? It is kind of fascinating to me because there’s so much energy they’re putting into it… I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing. But another thing is that we do see a shift happening in casting, in positions of power, and in the status quo.”
He noted that the fast evolution of things may affect the balance of everything, pertaining to the evolving practices of casting actors for films and television shows.
Gatwa has been reportedly receiving racist remarks from fans of the show. The criticism of Doctor Who featuring a black, queer actor has got the public concerned because the show is also watched by children.
“I mean, not a fast shift, things could tip over the other way a little bit quicker, but you see people kind of malfunctioning because things are changing.”
Doctor Who first aired in 1963, and the actor thinks that his character is very much more significant today than ever, alongside the fact that the show remained relevant through the decades.
Doctor Who Fans Will No Longer Watch The Show
Gatwa’s unbothered response to his haters seemingly backfired as fans of the show are very much willing to switch channels as a sign of protest. This could spell trouble for the show if there is a sudden decline in viewership.
Some of the comments targeted the actor’s narcissism while others simply agreed that they won’t tune in to the show. Check out their tweets below:
Your terms are acceptable.
This isn't Dr. Who. Dr. Who was a hero who died in 2017. The Timeless child retconed so much the fan base loved, we have no choice but to reject the new lectures.— Dog Owner. No crypto. (@external_idea) April 25, 2024
I think you have that headline backwards. No one cares that's he black. Everyone who is a fan cares that he disrespects the character. The lore. The show. And his rampant narcissism. It's all has to be about him. I know of very few who've praised this. We won't watch.
— SpacenetTV (@SpacenetTV) April 25, 2024
1. its not Groundbreaking it is however FRANCHISE BREAKING t ohave a overprivileged actor say racist things about its audience.
2. Its time to DEFUND the BBC. IF THE BBC is so confident with their programming than they can compete in the marketplace without gouging british…— Lord Brian Urso, Lead Guitarist of Gideons Mob (@TheMobRules73) April 25, 2024
Wasn't planning on watching. It isn't because he is black, it is because they are sexualizing the Doctor. They already brought back the 10th just to have him lectured on pronouns, told the female version knew better and then they say that he was always gay 🙄 No thanks. Me and my…
— Dustin Straight (@Carnage2469) April 25, 2024
Why don't you resign so we can a get a good doctor for a change
— The doctor mills (@doctor_mills) April 25, 2024
Gatwa is screaming this to an empty room hahaha
— jackedrabbit (@thazajanator) April 26, 2024
Doctor Who is widely beloved by fans around the world, and it would be a shame to see a franchise get destroyed in a matter of seconds. Gatwa firmly believes that he is doing a great service to the fans, especially those who can relate to him and those who stick to the series no matter what.
Doctor Who Season 14 will premiere on May 11, 2024 via BBC iPlayer.
