The BBC has announced that 29-year-old actor Ncuti Gatwa has been cast as the fourteenth Doctor on Doctor Who. The Scottish actor, born in Rwanda, is the first non-white performer to play the role regularly, as well as the first gay man. Non-white actress Jo Martin guest-starred as a past incarnation of the Doctor, but Gatwa will be the first series regular playing the famous Time Lord. White males have traditionally portrayed the Doctor, but the show continues on the inclusive path it started when it cast the first female Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, in 2017. Whittaker’s tenure as the Doctor will conclude later this year.
Credit: Karwai Tang via The Netline
According to Hollywood Life, Ncuti Gatwa’s name is pronounced “SHOO-tee,” and he holds a Bachelor’s in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. He is best known for portraying Eric Effiong in the Netflix series Sex Education. His portrayal of the gay character from a religious family earned Gatwa the Best Actor Award at 2020’s Scottish BAFTA’s. Speaking about taking on the Doctor, Gatwa said:
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. 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 upmost to do the same.”
Many actors were rumored to take on this role, including Hugh Grant possibly. However, Gatwa has been chosen to be the new face of the time-traveling regenerating hero.
Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Who Debut
Gutwa’s official taking over of the TARDIS, which coincides with the return of showrunner Russell T. Davies, will take place in 2023. However, we will likely see him in the Autumn 2022 special when Whittaker’s Doctor officially regenerates. The trailer for that special, which will also feature classic Doctor Who companions Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) and Ace (Sophie Aldred), can be viewed below:
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