Doctor Whostands ready to chart unprecedented paths in the dynamic world of television with its upcoming season.Ncuti Gatwa, the charismatic star known for his role inSex Education, is poised to make his mark as the Fifteenth Doctor in the show’s illustrious history. Gatwa’s tenure will kick off with the 2023 seasonal special and continue through newly renumbered seasons 1 and 2, as well as a 2024 seasonal special.
In a surprising and intriguing development, Gatwa has revealed that his debut as the Doctor will include a unique on-screen interaction with William Hartnell, the original First Doctor, who passed away many years ago. This groundbreaking moment, as reported byThe Mirror, was teased by Gatwa at the GQ Man of the Year award ceremony. He shared that through the magic of visual effects, he and Hartnell will share a scene in an upcoming episode, although the specifics of this technological feat were not disclosed. Gatwa shared:
It has been a crazy year. I shouldn’t say this but I shot a scene, somehow, with the first-ever Doctor, William Hartnell. We end up in the same scene together at some point.
This remarkable instance of bridging actors from different eras is not entirely new toDoctor Who. The series has a history of innovatively integrating past characters into its narrative. In 2013, during the episodesThe Name of the DoctorandThe Day of the Doctor, careful editing and visual effects brought Hartnell and other past Doctors back to the screen. For instance, Jenna Coleman’s character Clara was inserted into scenes with classic Doctors, including a pivotal moment where she aids Hartnell’s Doctor in selecting his TARDIS. Such editing techniques have previously allowed for seamless integration of past and present, creating memorable moments for fans.
Doctor Who Showrunner Announces Controversial Change as It Joins Disney+
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies confirms a major change in the upcoming series.
Reviving the Past: Doctor Who Leads the Way in Digital Portrayals of Departed Actors
Doctor Who
Originally premiered in 1963, Doctor Who is a sci-fi series that follows a powerful being known as a Time Lord, referred to as the Doctor. Using an interdimensional time-traveling ship known as the TARDIS, the Doctor travels time and space with various companions as they solve multiple problems and help avert catastrophe as much as they almost cause it. Though the Doctor is always the same character, they experience regenerations, allowing them to be recast every few seasons as a unique immortal being with new personality traits.
There’s a growing debate in the entertainment circles about the practice ofdigitally reincarnating deceased actorsin current television series. Although this technique respects the legacy of past actors and ensures a seamless narrative, it simultaneously opens up debates over the ethics of representing those who have passed away. In recent years, the film industry has seen similar instances, where technological advancements have enabled the recreation of deceased actors or younger versions of living ones, often leading to debates about the implications of such portrayals.
Gatwa’s role as the Doctor is a career-defining moment for him and concurrently introduces a new era in theDoctor Whostoryline. His entry follows David Tennant’s brief return for the show’s 60th-anniversary celebrations. With showrunner Russell T Davies at the helm, fans can expect a blend of nostalgia and innovation in storytelling. Davies has hinted at exploring the past ofNeil Patrick Harris' character The Toymaker, including a flashback to a 1966 portrayal by Michael Gough.
The inclusion of Hartnell’s Doctor in the upcoming season promises to be a highlight for both new and long-time viewers of the series. This daring step highlightsDoctor Who’senduring reputation as a series that consistently challenges the norms of television narrative. As audiences await Gatwa’s debut, anticipation builds for how this blend of the old and new will unfold on screen. This daring step highlightsDoctor Who’senduring reputation as a series that consistently challenges the norms of television narrative.
