On Sunday, “Doctor Who” fans just got the announcement that they had been speculating about for quite some time.
“Attack the Block” actress Jodie Whittaker made history when she was cast as the first woman to take over the role. Now, “Sex Education” star Ncuti Gatwa will make history as the first black man to play the enigmatic Doctor.
Ncuti Gatwa Has Been Tapped To Be The Next Time Lord On ‘Doctor Who’
The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor. ❤️❤️➕🟦 #DoctorWho
Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/KoxPmoNAdL pic.twitter.com/peKsH6gCjI
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 8, 2022
On Sunday morning, Twitter made the news official, tweeting, “The future is here! Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor.”
The new 14th Doctor, Mizero Ncuti Gatwa, is a 29-year-old Rwandan-Scottish actor who was born in Rwanda. He appeared as Eric Effiong on Netflix’s “Sex Education,” which earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television and three BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance.
In a press release shared by the BBC, Gatwa 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,” he continued. “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.”
Showrunner Russell T. Davies Is Excited For The Future Of ‘Doctor Who’
Russell T. Davies, who will return as showrunner this season, 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,” he added. “But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”
BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore 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.”
The BBC added that “Further details will be announced in due course.”
When Will Jodie Whittaker Face Her Final Adventure?
Although some fans are sad to see Jodie Whittaker go, others are ready to embrace Gatwa as the new Doctor Who. Whittaker will face her “final adventure” this fall, as stated on the show’s official Twitter account.
“The Thirteenth Doctor faces the forces that mass against her in her final adventure,” they tweeted. “Autumn 2022.”
The teaser trailer for Whittaker’s final adventure can be seen below.
“This is the day you die…” 🔥
The Thirteenth Doctor faces the forces that mass against her in her final adventure. Autumn 2022. pic.twitter.com/qztTwmLCaP
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) April 17, 2022
