Who Is the New Doctor Who?
Rwandan-born Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa will be the first black actor to take on the moniker of Doctor Who. Whitaker’s final spin on the 13th Doctor will take place in a two-hour special to air in Fall 2022. We suspect we’ll get a brief glimpse of Gatwa at the end of that special and for him to be completely in the role with the next installment of Doctor Who (likely as a Christmas special or sometime in early 2023). After landing the role, Ncuti said in a statement posted on the BBC’s Doctor Who website, “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. [Showrunner] 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.” Davies added, “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!” Gatwa was only 2 when his family fled Rwanda to Scotland during the Rwandan genocide. The film, Hotel Rwanda, brought the Rwandan genocide to the forefront and made the plight more visible on a global scale. After graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Gatwa spent several years working in theatre before landing the role of Eric Effiong on Netflix’s Sex Education. The role won Gatwa a BAFTA award for Best Actor in Television along with other nominations. While we’re still waiting for Idris Elba to be cast as the next James Bond, we’re certainly looking forward to seeing Gatwa as the 14th Doctor and hope the show continues making historic firsts—perhaps we’ll see an Asian 15th Doctor? We’d love to see Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) or Andrew Koji (Warrior) in the role or even better yet, how about Naoko Mori (The Terror)? She even has the pedigree—Mori spent four seasons playing Toshiko Sato on Torchwood, a the Doctor Who spinoff. Did you know “Torchwood” is an anagram of “Doctor Who”? Next, 60
