Ncuti Gatwa is The Doctor

[Captaindemotion]

We have a new Doctor
https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/ncuti-gatwa-is-the-doctor

The BBC has today announced Ncuti Gatwa is the new Doctor set to take charge of the TARDIS.

Star of stage and screen, Ncuti is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in Sex Education as the iconic Eric Effiong, for which he was awarded Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTA’s in 2020 as well as numerous nominations including Best Male Performance in a comedy programme at this year’s BAFTA’s.
Speaking of his new role, Ncuti said: “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 upmost 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.”



Russell T Davies, Showrunner adds: “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!”



Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer said: “Ncuti has an incredible dynamism, he’s a striking and fearless young actor whose talent and energy will set the world alight and take Doctor Who on extraordinary adventures under Russell T Davies’ new era."

A lower key announcement than one might have expected but here we are

 

[Guy Gardener]

Fun.

 

[Qonundrum]

Lower-key... I've seen youtube videos with Ncuti talking about it and people's responses. The only ones worth reading were from those saying they're from the UK and suggesting the BBC has lost faith in the show because his reveal is so much lower-key than all the predecessors' and/or worse, saying the BBC wants to kill it before the licence fee goes. That's their supposition and belief.(Many others are the usual level of drek I just skimmed over.)

Then I dived into a certain anti-Chibnall channel (Tardis Zone) and among other topics, one of the 5 people was whining how they needed reassurance (?!!) by RTD, which is interesting as Ncuti's discussing "escapism" on camera at point blank range feeds into their worries. That doesn't come across potentially well either, as if they can't handle anyone other than RTD making the show (or, worse, just one single Doctor out of a dozen or infinite number) - but the BBC chose RTD to do it again despite him being tired and done with it back in 2009. Then again, some people break up with their exes and then want to come back years later after realizing they made a mistake. Ncuti's enthusiasm certainly feels authentic, which is great considering any actor's job is to sell an emotion or mindset or behavior - but definition aside, I get the vibe he's genuinely excited. I do want to see where this goes.

 

[Sketcher]

I wish they'd release the Doctor actor's auditions for the roles. I know you can find Paul McGann's but it'd be great to see Matt Smiths and Gatawa's at some point.