Meet The Fourteenth Doctor Who

In the early 60s, England gave the world a seemingly eternal sci-fi series by introducing one simple idea: the main character was a traveling alien who changed their shape every now and then. The premise has allowed Doctor Who to run on the same continuity for over fifty years, give or take a few hiatuses. The Doctor is the original multiverse surfer, pulling that gimmick DECADES before it was trendy.

Doc has now had thirteen forms, the most recent being female, but are they ready to change their race? The time has come for a more diverse Doctor, or to put it in the recent words of showrunner Russell T. Davies, “The future is here and it’s Ncuti!”

He speaks of Ncuti Gatwa, revealed to be the fourteenth Doctor this weekend. His other acting credits include Eric Effiong in the TV series Sex Education and playing a character in the unreleased Margot Robbie Barbie movie. Going from Barbie to Doctor Who is a weird leap.

“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” Ncuti said in a public statement. “A mix of deeply honored, 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 endeavor my upmost to do the same. 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.”

The current Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, is wrapping up a polarizing run with one final adventure later this year. Personally, I thought she was fine in the role — it was the companions that were lacking.

Image: Doctor Who/The BBC