In news that has divided the internet, it’s been revealed that Doctor Who‘s Thirteenth Doctor will be played by Jodie Whittaker. The news isn’t a total surprise to viewers, as possible candidates for the role had included names like Tilda Swinton and Olivia Colman. The British actress will replace the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi, following 2017’s Christmas special.
Whittaker’s casting follows the hiring of Chris Chibnall as Doctor Who‘s new showrunner for the forthcoming season. Chibnall previously worked with Whittaker on his detective series Broadchurch, and said in a statement on Sunday, “I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice.”
Introducing Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. #DoctorWho #Doctor13 pic.twitter.com/cehcPX7Uq9
— Doctor Who BBCA (@DoctorWho_BBCA) July 16, 2017=
In her statement regarding being cast as the next Doctor, Whittaker said, “It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope.”
There are little girls who are growing up with Gadot as Wonder Woman, a female Jedi and a female Doctor. I love it. #doctor13 #DoctorWho
— Denizcan Targaryen (@MrFilmkritik) July 16, 2017
Whittaker’s casting is totally groundbreaking, as in its entire history, only men have portrayed the Doctor. First airing in 1963, Doctor Who has gone through a plethora of regenerations, but has never been played by a woman before.
If you think you love Dr Who, but can’t accept this change, then you never really got Dr Who.
— Doctor Who Thing (@DoctorWhoThing) July 16, 2017
While Whittaker is sure to encounter furious backlash, she’ll also be responsible for inspiring the next generation of Doctor Who fans, who will finally have a female Doctor and role model in their midst.
There she is. That’s the Doctor. #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/37a39IW9qA
— Luke Spillane
From: Elle USA
