The announcement had the effect of a thunderclap yesterday on social networks. Ncuti Gatwa, iconic actor of the series « Sex Education », has been chosen to be the new face of the most famous British hero of the small screen in the series « Doctor Who ». He will take the place of Jodie Whittaker in the role, and make history by becoming the first black man to embody the character.
In Britain, the « Doctor Who » series is an institution that has gone far beyond borders, to spread throughout the world. It must be said that this is the oldest series still broadcast on the small screen: born in 1963 on BBC One, it was entitled to an interruption between 1989 and 2005 to finally resume at top speed. The pitch of « Doctor Who » effectively allows the cast to be renewed regularly: its hero, the Doctor, is an extraterrestrial. More precisely, a Time Lord who does not die, but who regenerates and therefore changes his face.
A character that evolves with the times
Since the return of the series in 2005, the famous Doctor has already had five different faces: Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and the latest: Jodie Whittaker. In 2017, the Doctor indeed became a woman, a change for many years requested by fans tired of seeing white men in this role, even if all the interpreters of the hero of « Doctor Who » have been very appreciated.
Since its debut, the series has been known to convey several messages through its characters: the hero is anti-gun and anti-violence, and the series has regularly criticized racism, homophobia, sexism, lack of action by governments in the face of climate change, police violence or the poor reception of refugees. For years, several characters on the show have been openly members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and where works like « Harry Potter » have been criticized for their lack of openness, this is far from the case for « Doctor Who ». . And the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa will still make it possible to change things.
A new shock recruit
The last three seasons of « Doctor Who » starring Jodie Whittaker unfortunately did not appeal to viewers. However, everything had been done to always be more inclusive, with a woman in the main role, and many people of color to accompany and support her in her adventures. The problem comes rather from the way the episodes and the characters were written: many fans of the series denounced a particularly sexist treatment, as well as scenarios and a realization which did not allow Jodie Whittaker to shine like her. has been able to do this in other projects in the past.
After three seasons, the BBC therefore decided to take a new direction, and this Sunday, May 8, 2022, the channel announced that the role of the Doctor would now be held by Ncuti Gatwa, known for having played Eric Effiong in « Sex Education « , the huge success of Netflix. A young British-Rwandan actor, he is just starting out in show business but has already made an impression on the public. Especially since he will soon be starring in the film « Barbie » by Greta Gerwig, alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Why will everything change?
Some may have seen the return of a male actor as the Doctor as a step backwards from production. This would have been the case if the role had been given to a new white actor, but the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa brings a real breath of fresh air to the series. By his youth, but also by the values of the actor, who fought for a career, and who had entrusted to The Big Issue in 2020: « When I arrived in London, for five months, I was without fixed address. I went from sofa to sofa. The only thing that saved me from ending up on the street was the presence of my friends. »
The young man is the first black actor to land the lead role in « Doctor Who », and while he has never openly discussed his own sexuality, his closeness to the LGBTQIA+ universe and his commitments make him a choice that can potentially open up new subjects through her character, in a series that has never been afraid to tackle taboos. In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa said he was « deeply honored and excited » to return to the role of the Doctor, but was also « a bit scared » by the magnitude of the task ahead.
“This role and this series mean so much to so many people around the world, including me, and each of my predecessors have been incredibly talented. They have all brought a unique dimension to the character, and I will strive to do the same. » Especially since he will be accompanied by Russel T. Davis, emblematic showrunner of the series. However, it will be necessary to wait until 2023 to discover the result on the screen.
READ ALSO
>> Ncuti Gatwa from ‘Sex Education’ is the new hero of ‘Doctor Who’
>> « Sex Education » season 3: discover the trailer
>> “Sex Education”: 10 sex punchlines that sum it all up
Read also : Sex Education: how to rent the house of Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson)? (and yes it is possible!)