The casting of Jodie Whittaker as the first ever female lead of Doctor Who has been met with widespread acclaim from the cast and crew of the sci-fi series. Practically all the previous Doctors and a bunch of companions have praised the decision, as has outgoing showrunner Steven Moffat, who will soon pass the reins over to Chris Chibnall.
Now, Moffat’s predecessor, Russell T. Davies, has thrown his hat into the ring as well. It’s Davies who fans have to thank for reimagining the series into the smash hit it is today, as he brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and saw it through the Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant eras before vacating the show in 2010. He made many progressive moves during his tenure as well, but Davies has admitted that he simply “didn’t think” of casting a woman when he was in charge. That doesn’t mean he’s against the decision, though, as he’s praised Chibnall for making him look “old-fashioned.”
“I simply didn’t think of it. We did a very, very good job in 2005 but it was a different world back then. What Chris Chibnall is brilliantly doing is making me and Steven Moffat look old-fashioned. We look like the past. And that’s exactly what we are – we are the past.”
It’s not just the idea of a female Doctor that Davies likes, either, as he said that he also thinks Jodie Whittaker herself is a perfect choice for the part.
“I don’t know Jodie, but whenever I’ve seen her interviewed on breakfast TV or whatever, she’s been really funny and vivid, not just spouting PR lines. And that’s rare. That excited me. Someone who’s got an incredibly strong self is going to fit the Doctor perfectly.”
Doctor Who will be back on our screens thanks to the 2017 Christmas Special, “Twice Upon a Time,” which will simultaneously usher in Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord and bid farewell to Peter Capaldi, who’s set to hang up his hat for good this festive season. Not only that, but if recent rumors are to be believed, we may be seeing Jenna Coleman back on the show as well, as she’s said to be returning to help see Capaldi off.
That remains unconfirmed, but for a taste of what’s to come, be sure to check out the trailer for “Twice Upon a Time” below.
