It’s time for a new Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa has been cast as the 14th edition of the titular Time Lord on the long-running British science-fiction series “Doctor Who”.
The BBC unveiled the news on Sunday in a press release, ending months of speculation about playing one of television history’s most iconic characters, which read: “The future is here! Nakuti Gatwa is a doctor.”
The 29-year-old will replace actor Jodie Whitaker, the first female to star in the role, who revealed in July that she would be exiting the show after three seasons and a trio of specials, with her final installment scheduled to air sometime later. this year.
The Scottish star, who was born in Rwanda, will be the first black actor to play the lead in a full-time role, with English actress Jo Martin portraying a previously unknown version of the character for a few episodes of the franchise’s 59-year history.
His credits include Netflix’s massively popular series “Sex Education”, for which he played Eric Efiong, a gay high school student, and best friend of series star Otis (Asa Butterfield) in 2020 Scottish Won Best Actor Award at BAFTAs. He is also set to appear in Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated film “Barbie”, which stars Margot Robbie.
In a BBC statement, Gatwa said he was “deeply honored, beyond excited and certainly a little intimidated” by the casting.
He said, “This role and show means so much to so many people around the world, including me, and each of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.” ,” They said. “I will do my best to do so.”
“Queer as Folk” and “It’s a Sin” creator Russell T. Davis, who previously revived the series in 2005 and operated it for years, will also return as showrunner.
“Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the doctor himself and to be able to work with him is a dream come true,” Gatwa said. “His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent, and full of danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground.”
“The entire team is very welcoming and is really giving their heart for the show,” the actor continued. “And as hard as it is, I know I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I’m giving it all to this show.”
Davis told BBC News that Gatwa won the role with a “shiny” audition, revealing, “It was our last. We thought we had someone, and then he came and stole it.”
The series isn’t set to come out until 2023, but fans have taken to social media to celebrate Gatwa’s casting.
Ncuti Gatwa is so good on SEX EDUCATION, a lightning rod of charm and comedic timing. A star from the moment he popped on screen. He’s going to be phenomenal as the next Doctor. #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/IiM1qjd8UC
— Robert Daniels (@812filmreviews) May 8, 2022
I don’t know a single thing about that time travelling phone box but for Ncuti?? I’m now invested.
— Kelechi (@kelechnekoff) May 8, 2022
Going to come clean here, I don’t watch Doctor Who and haven’t done since the Billie Pipers days, but Eric from Sex Education being the new Doctor might just tempt me back! Brilliant actor brimming with personality #DoctorWho
— Simon Duke (@simon_dukey) May 8, 2022
