Calling all Whovians — we’ve got our Fourteenth Doctor! As reported by The BBC, Scottish-Rwandan actor Ncuti Gatwa, best known for his critically-lauded role as Eric Effiong on Netflix’s Sex Education, will pilot the TARDIS on Doctor Who, following the regeneration of Jodie Whittaker‘s Thirteenth Doctor.
Gatwa expressed his excitement at joining all the Gallifreyan, timey-wimey action:
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.
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Russell T Davies, returning to the fray as showrunner after Chris Chibnall‘s departure, had this to say regarding Gatwa’s promotion to full-time Time Lord:
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!
In addition to Sex Education, Gatwa played Demetrius in 2016’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe Theatre. He was recently cast alongside his Sex Education costar Emma Mackey in Greta Gerwig‘s Barbie, due for release next year.
Gatwa is the first queer actor to play the Doctor and the first performer born outside the UK. Representation is important, and I can’t wait to see what this tremendous artist brings to the TARDIS.
Whittaker’s last hurrah will be in the highly anticipated Centenary Special, slated for this fall. We’ll undoubtedly see her Doctor regenerate into Gatwa’s iteration. As for watching the Fourteenth Doctor in action, we won’t have long to wait — 2023 is right around the corner.
Are you excited about Ncuti Gatwa being the next Doctor? Sound off in the comments below!
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What I do: I'm Managing Editor, Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, inkMend on Medium. I love cheese. I love geek. I love lamp.
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