Fictional character from Doctor Who
The Fifteenth Doctor is the current incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. He is portrayed by Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa.[1] His first series companion is Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.[2]
Within the series' narrative, the Doctor is a millennia-old alien Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, with somewhat unknown origins, who travels in time and space in their TARDIS, frequently with companions. Usually, at the end of each incarnation's life, the Doctor regenerates; as a result, their physical appearance and personality changes. However, the Fifteenth Doctor emerged unconventionally, via "bi-generation", in which he split from his predecessor, the Fourteenth Doctor's body, rather than replacing him, allowing both incarnations to co-exist. In contrast to his predecessors, Gatwa portrays a Doctor who is attempting to let go of much of his recent emotional trauma, with a more emotionally balanced, liberated, fun-loving, and affectionate outward persona.
Gatwa had previously been announced as Jodie Whittaker's successor as the programme's lead, and many reports stated he would play the Fourteenth Doctor and that Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor would regenerate into an incarnation portrayed by Gatwa.[1][3] Upon Whittaker's final appearance as the character, she instead regenerated into a form seemingly similar to the Tenth Doctor. This character, portrayed by David Tennant, was confirmed to be the Fourteenth Doctor, with later clarification that Gatwa would portray the Fifteenth Doctor.
His first episode as lead actor aired on 25 December 2023,[4] and his first full series will screen in 2024.[5]
Casting
Before Gatwa's casting was announced, several actors were heavily rumoured to be taking over from Whittaker, including Hugh Grant, Michael Sheen, Kris Marshall, Richard Ayoade, Michaela Coel, Kelly Macdonald, and Lenny Henry. Davies' return also led to speculation that an actor he had previously worked with in other projects would join him as the Fourteenth Doctor, with Olly Alexander, Lydia West, Omari Douglas, T'Nia Miller, and Fisayo Akinade ranking highly in bookies' odds.[6] Rumours also circulated that David Tennant would reprise his role, having previously portrayed the Tenth Doctor during Davies' initial time as showrunner, or that Jo Martin, who debuted as the Fugitive Doctor during Whittaker's tenure, would be revealed as the Fourteenth incarnation.[7]
On 8 May 2022, Gatwa posted an Instagram picture featuring two red heart emojis, a plus sign, and a blue box emoji.[8] The post, alongside comments from incoming Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies,[9] led to speculation that Gatwa had been cast as the Doctor. This was later confirmed that same day by the official Doctor Who Twitter account.[10]
Gatwa is the first black actor,[11] first African-born actor, first openly queer actor, and fourth Scottish actor to portray the Doctor.[12][13][14][15]
In an article released on the Doctor Who website, Gatwa said, "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 utmost to do the same."[10]
Davies added, "Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds... I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!"[10]
Gatwa was initially expected to be playing the Fourteenth Doctor in May 2022 and would have taken over from actress Jodie Whittaker in the role following a series of special episodes throughout 2022. During the special, "The Power of the Doctor", it was revealed following Whittaker's regeneration the Doctor had regenerated into David Tennant. Gatwa was confirmed to eventually be starring in the role as the Fifteenth Doctor, with executive producer Russell T Davies stating "The path to Ncuti's 15th Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun!"[5] Gatwa appeared in character for the first time in the trailer for the 60th anniversary specials, that preceded his ascension to the lead role on 9 December 2023.[16]
Costume
Early images from the set show Gatwa in a range of ensembles that are decidedly more ostentatious than what his predecessors wore, from a tangerine-coloured knit and a bright blue double-breasted pinstripe suit, to a glossy leather trench paired with a sweatshirt zipped down to expose his chest and a set of delicate gold necklaces. Let’s just say it: Doctor Who is getting sexy.
Radhika Seth, British Vogue[17]
In a departure for the character of the Doctor, the Fifteenth Doctor wears a variety of clothing rather than adopting one distinct style.[18] Gatwa approved of the idea in an interview with Rolling Stone; he also expressed an affinity for the style of the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee), claiming that "our Doctors are the only two who dress like sluts".[19] Louise Griffin of Radio Times noted that Gatwa was shown in promotional images for the episode "Rogue", set in the Regency era, wearing a burgundy velvet jacket reminiscent of the Third Doctor's style, after costume designer Pam Downe disclosed that she had incorporated references to previous Doctors in Gatwa's costumes.[20] Gatwa's initial inclination for the Fifteenth Doctor's style was inspired by Ralph Lauren's "preppy" designs in collaboration with Morehouse College and Spelman College, noting the colleges' Black histories. The production team opted for less "traditional" looks, wanting to "push it forward".[17]
Appearances
Prior to the first appearance of the Fifteenth Doctor, Gatwa made an uncredited cameo as himself, in costume as the Doctor, during an edited repeat of the 2013 docudrama An Adventure in Space and Time, airing on 23 November 2023, Doctor Who's sixtieth anniversary. In the original version, while preparing to film his regeneration scene, William Hartnell (David Bradley) looks across the TARDIS console and sees a vision of Matt Smith, the actor who played the then-incumbent Eleventh Doctor during the show's fiftieth anniversary year. For the 2023 repeat, the scene was edited to replace Smith with Gatwa.[21]
Gatwa first appears as the Fifteenth Doctor in the 60th anniversary special episode "The Giggle", appearing in the final third of the story as the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant) appears to regenerate but instead "bi-generates", introducing the new Doctor as a separate physical entity. The two Doctors team up to defeat the Toymaker, and later use the remaining power of the latter's lingering reality-warping domain to duplicate the TARDIS. The Fifteenth Doctor shares some words of wisdom with his predecessor, who returns the favour by wishing him luck, before setting off for new adventures in his version of the TARDIS.
The Doctor next appears in "The Church on Ruby Road" in which he meets new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and faces off against goblins.
Reception
Announcement
Angus Robertson, Scotland's Culture Secretary, congratulated Gatwa on his casting.[22] Actor and singer Olly Alexander, thought to be among the front-runners for the role,[23] tweeted his joy at the casting.[22]
Response from Doctor Who actors
Fellow Scot Sylvester McCoy, who portrayed the Seventh Doctor, tweeted his pleasure over another Scottish actor taking the reins of the Doctor. At the 2022 Paris Fan Festival, Matt Smith, who portrayed the Eleventh Doctor, openly expressed his support to Gatwa taking on the role.[24] In an interview with STV News, Peter Capaldi, who portrayed the Twelfth Doctor, stated that he believed that Gatwa would be "an amazing Doctor." During the 2022 British Academy Television Awards, Gatwa stated that David Tennant, who portrayed the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors, and Jodie Whittaker, who played the Thirteenth Doctor, both called him to express their support.[25]
Critical reception
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Following the broadcast of "The Church on Ruby Road", Martin Belam of The Guardian said Gatwa's performance "totally owned the episode".[26]
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