After decades on the air and 12 Doctors, a female actor has finally been cast as Doctor Who. The BBC has revealed that Jodie Whittaker will take on the iconic role after the series’ current star, Peter Capaldi, says goodbye to the sci-fi show in this year’s Christmas special.
“The BBC had on Friday announced that it would unveil the new Doctor after the men’s Wimbledon final, taking fans by surprise,” The Hollywood Reporter writes. “Among the various names thrown out by bookies as contenders for the ‘Doctor Who’ lead role have been the likes of ‘Fleabag’ creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, ‘Death in Paradise’ actor Kris Marshall, and even Tilda Swinton.”
“Broadchurch,” “Adult Life Skills,” and “Venus” are among Whittaker’s previous credits.
Whittaker steps into the role as showrunner Steven Moffat exits. Moffat has spoken about the pressure he received from different types of fans — those advocating against a woman Doctor and those advocating for one. “One saying, ‘It would never work.’ What do you mean, it would never fucking work?” he asked. “How the hell would you know that? The other one, ‘It’s absolutely necessary it happens now.’ No it’s not! It’s not necessary! It may never happen! Don’t be silly. There are no absolutes.” It may have taken years and years for a woman to take charge of the TARDIS, but fortunately the moment has — finally — come. Also, is it really so “silly” to want to see a woman have the opportunity to take on one of the most beloved characters of all time? It bears noting that it was “Doctor Who’s” new writer and executive producer, Chis Chibnall, who decided to cast Whittaker. The pair previously worked together on “Broadchurch.”
“After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice,” emphasized Chibnall. “Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength, and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”
Whittaker said, “I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey — with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet,” commented Whittaker. “It’s more than an honor to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.”
Online reaction to Whittaker’s casting has been mixed, and predictably so — there’s plenty of sexist rants but also inspiring tributes. The Mary Sue has collected some of the the best and worst reactions to the news. Check out this vid of a young girl watching the promo revealing Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor:
My daughter watching the #DoctorWho announcement. #doctor13 #DoctorWho13 https://t.co/eX0w1rW4E9
Earlier this year Pearl Mackie made herstory as the first openly gay companion on the time traveling series.
Check out Whittaker’s big debut in the “Doctor Who” promo below.
