Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Sex Education, is gearing up to bring a wave of “queer energy” to the iconic role of The Doctor in the upcoming season of Doctor Who.
Showrunner Russell T Davies spills the tea on what fans can expect from Gatwa’s groundbreaking portrayal, promising a character who’s anything but “neutered.”
Breaking Barriers with a Queer Doctor
Davies, renowned for his storytelling prowess, shared with Variety that Gatwa’s Doctor won’t shy away from embracing his queer identity. This isn’t about putting a label on the Doctor’s sexuality but rather letting his innate “lightness and joy” shine, something Davies feels resonates with queer energy.
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He cheekily noted that past incarnations of the Time Lord “weren’t exactly the straightest men,” suggesting a rich subtext has always been woven into the fabric of the character.
As the first out queer actor to take on the role, Gatwa’s casting alone is a bold statement. The inclusion of queer themes won’t dominate the plot but expect subtle nods and explorations throughout the series. Davies made it clear: “We’re not delivering a neutered Doctor.”
A Legacy of Inclusivity
Davies has always pushed the envelope, and casting Gatwa was no exception. The search for the new Doctor was broad, including men, women, Black, white, non-binary actors, and those who keep their sexuality private. Davies thrives on challenging norms: “It’s very hard for anyone to stop me doing these things… you’d have to be a pretty brave executive to say: ‘Don’t go there’ to me.”
This casting choice follows in the footsteps of Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor, who faced challenges from fans clinging to traditional portrayals. Gatwa has a fierce message for detractors: true fans understand that regeneration and change are at the heart of Doctor Who. “You’ve not been watching,” he asserts, if you think the Doctor should fit a single mold.
Camp and Queer Villainy
Adding even more flair to the new season, episode two introduces Jinkx Monsoon, a two-time winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as the Maestro—possibly the Doctor’s campest nemesis yet. This casting choice amplifies the season’s embrace of diverse and vibrant characters.
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Premiere Countdown
Get ready to catch the premiere on May 11, with a special midnight release on iPlayer and Disney+, followed by a broadcast on BBC One later that day.
With Gatwa at the helm, this season of Doctor Who promises to be a celebratory journey of diversity and regeneration, reshaping what it means to wield the sonic screwdriver. Whether you’re a longtime Whovian or new to the series, this season is poised to dazzle with its bold narrative and charismatic new Doctor.
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