Doctor Who Showrunner Russell T Davies Clarifies the Jodie Whittaker Era Controversy

Summary

• Russell T Davies addresses rumors about Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Thirteenth Doctor, dismissing claims of erasing her character.
• Davies engages with fan culture in a lighthearted letter, referencing the Snyder cut and Donald Trump’s “covfefe” tweet.
• Ncuti Gatwa is set to take on the role of the fifteenth Doctor in Season 14, emphasizing a blend of vulnerability and humor.

Russell T Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, addressed the persistent rumors surrounding Jodie Whittaker‘s tenure as the Thirteenth Doctor, a role she held from 2018 to 2022, succeeding Peter Capaldi. Whittaker’s portrayal faced criticism from some longtime fans who believed that the series suffered from subpar writing and an excessive focus on real-world issues at the expense of the signature sci-fi elements that have defined the show. The dissatisfaction led to speculations about efforts to erase it from the show’s continuity.

However, Russell T Davies is taking a different approach, firmly dispelling any notions of rejecting Whittaker’s time as The Doctor. In a lighthearted and humorous letter published in Doctor Who Magazine (via RadioTimes.com), Davies engages with fan culture, incorporating references to the Snyder cut of Justice League and Donald Trump’s “covfefe” tweet. As he humorously pretends to be a fan watching a Doctor Who 60th Anniversary special, he comments on the setting, mentioning the preference for Sheffield over London and joking about a “SHEFFIELD SNUB.” He reassures fans that Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor has not been erased, while raising the paradoxical question of whether not erasing her is itself a form of erasure.

“Oh my God, that’s London, too much London?, I liked Sheffield, SHEFFIELD SNUB. It’s still very rude to the people of Sheffield, I will post about this and get REACTIONS to the SNUB….

Oh my God, the TARDIS, the Jodie exterior, she has NOT been erased (and yet by not erasing her, are we erasing the argument that she’s been erased and therefore this is an act of erasure, IS IT?)

… Release the Snyder Cut…

Will they upscale this to 5K and ruin it? Covfefe! What will this track be called on the soundtrack… We are, faithful viewer, 30 seconds in. Good luck.”

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Ncuti Gatwa Takes the Helm as The Doctor in a New Era

BBC/Disney

Over the years, Doctor Who has cemented its place not only as a cornerstone of BBC programming but also as a cultural phenomenon that has captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. Throughout its extensive history, the show has seen a roster of exceptionally talented actors step into the role of The Doctor, and now, it’s Ncuti Gatwa, known for his work in Sex Education, who will be taking on the mantle as the fifteenth iteration of the Time Lord.

Accompanied by Millie Gibson, Gatwa is set to embark on adventures in Season 14. Their journeys will unfold within the confines of the TARDIS, a spaceship designed to resemble a British police box from the 1960s. The Doctor’s mission transcends the boundaries of time, taking them on escapades into both the past and the future, where they will encounter a diverse array of civilizations and formidable adversaries along the way.

Gatwa previously shared insights into his portrayal, emphasizing a unique blend of vulnerability hidden beneath layers of humor and energy. Drawing inspiration from his own personal experience surviving the Rwandan genocide, he has forged a deep connection with the character’s resilience and underlying sense of loneliness. In his words, “My Doctor is emotionally vulnerable. He hides it with humor, but he’s lonely. I can’t say much more than that; I don’t want to spoil anything. But he’s also energetic! The poor cameramen struggled to keep up. This person survived a genocide. This person fits in everywhere and nowhere. I am the Doctor. The Doctor is me. I decided that I had to get this role.”

In November 2023, as part of Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary celebration, the show is planning to broadcast three special episodes.

You can view the original article HERE.