Ncuti Gatwa Makes History as First Black Doctor in “Doctor Who” History
Actor Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in “Sex Education” and as Ken in the “Barbie” movie, has officially made history as the first Black Doctor in the long-running British science fiction television series “Doctor Who.”
Gatwa’s debut as the 15th Doctor took place during the finale of “Doctor Who’s” three-part 60th-anniversary special on Sunday. The special episodes also featured the return of fan favorite Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.
In the finale, Gatwa’s new incarnation of the Doctor split from David Tennant’s Fourteen as they battled against the evil Toymaker, portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris. Gatwa’s Doctor takes the mantle from Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor, who became the franchise’s first-ever female lead.
Gatwa’s new Doctor is set to lead “Doctor Who’s” 14th series, which is scheduled to premiere in 2024. Throughout filming, Gatwa shared behind-the-scenes pics from set, with co-stars Millie Gibson, who has been cast as his new companion, Ruby Sunday, and Jonathan Groff, who has also been cast in the upcoming series.
In an article announcing his casting on the official “Doctor Who” website, Gatwa shared his excitement and sense of responsibility in taking on the iconic role. He expressed his deep honor and acknowledged the significance of the role to fans of the show around the world.
Gatwa also praised showrunner Russell T Davies, calling him almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and expressing his excitement at the opportunity to work with him. He also emphasized the support and welcoming nature of the “Doctor Who” team, declaring his commitment to the role.
The 60th anniversary special, featuring Gatwa’s debut as the Doctor, is currently streaming on BBC One and Disney+.
Gatwa’s casting marks a historic moment for “Doctor Who” and has been met with enthusiastic support from fans and industry peers, who have praised the decision to cast a diverse actor in the iconic role. Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor has been highly anticipated, as he brings his own unique perspective and talent to the beloved character.
The announcement of Gatwa as the new Doctor has sparked discussions about representation and diversity in television and science fiction, with many celebrating the milestone and looking forward to seeing Gatwa’s interpretation of the character.
As the franchise continues to evolve, Gatwa’s casting represents a significant step forward in ensuring that “Doctor Who” remains a relevant and inclusive series that resonates with audiences around the world.
Gatwa’s journey as the Doctor is just beginning, and fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming series as he takes on the role of the iconic Time Lord. His impact as the first Black Doctor in the show’s history is expected to be a pivotal moment for “Doctor Who” and its dedicated fanbase, as the series continues to push boundaries and embrace new perspectives.
