Whovians, you knew it would happen. David Tennant, perhaps the best Time Lord ever, announced yesterday that he’s retiring his sonic screwdriver after 2009’s Doctor Who specials. Which begs the question: Who will/should replace him? Rumors have swirled about everyone from Eddie Izzard, to Robert Carlyle, to Rhys Ifans, to that bloke from History Boys, Russell Tovey. But my money’s on Irishman James Nesbitt or the hilarious Richard Coyle. Both have previous connections with new head writer and exec producer Steven Moffat (James starred in Jekyll, while Richard appeared in Coupling) and both are pretty damn versatile.
Yet, if I could cast my dream 11th Doctor, I’d go with either blondie Marc Warren (Hustle, State of Play) or scene-stealing Jason O’Mara (who currently rocks the U.S. Life on Mars). I know, I know, Warren’s been on the show before, but that hasn’t stopped David Morrisey and John Simm from being named as possible successors to Tennant’s TARDIS throne. And if O’Mara’s up for a little work during his summer break from Mars – that’s if poor, underrated Mars is even still around — I’d love to hear his real Irish accent more often.
That said, how brilliant would it be to see a woman in the role (AbFab icon Jennifer Saunders’ name has also been thrown in the mix). Former Doctor Paul McGann once mentioned he’d like to see Dame Maggie Smith or Diana Rigg’s kid, Rachael Stirling, get the part. He took some heat for it, but I’m up for a little Time Lady action, how about you? Anyhow, if you were in Mr. Moffat’s shoes, who would you cast as the new Doctor?
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addCredit(“O’Mara: Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Tennant: BBC; Warren: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images”)
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tobias menzies – brutas from rome
John Sim would be an excellent twist. Imagine him trying to convince Martha or Captain Jack he’s the Doctor, not the Master! But my other vote is for Chiwetel Ejiofur. I think he would be a FANTASTIC Doctor.
But in the meantime, I’ll be in mourning for the foreseeable future.
Robbie Williams – adorable, British and obsessed with aliens. He’s perfect!
My dream doctor would probably have to be Steve Coogan. But since that will never happen, I’m jumping on the bandwagon for Patterson Joseph, who was brilliant as the Marquis de Carabas in “Neverwhere” and has already appeared in a couple of Doctor Who episodes (which is, of course, how Freema Agyeman got her gig).
I always thought Rufus Sewell would be fantastic as the Doctor but he is currently starring in 11th Hour which is doing pretty well on CBS. So he’s not an option. Also, I know he’s sort of the Bits and Bobs mascot but I’ll always recommend Richard Armitage for just about anything.
More realistic options I could go for include: Mark Heap (Spaced, Stardust), Ioan Gruffudd (his movie career isn’t exactly taking off), Phillip Glenister (after creating the original Gene Hunt, this should be a piece of cake), or Patterson Joseph (as others have suggested).
Oh – I did not know this and my day has turned grim. I adore Tennant as the Doctor. (sigh) Well then, I will have to throw my hat in for a female doctor – how fun would that be!? I can’t think of any female British actreesses I would want in the role, but then that is not my area of expertise. But I also think Robert Carlyle would be super fun.
i’d recast David Tennant. He’s the best doctor ever! I’m SO sad. But if I really had to choose someone new… Jamie Bamber from BSG. He’s great!
Dame Judi Dench
Eddie Izzard would definately provide a fun, if cracktastic, ride in the TARDIS.
James Callis from BSG. His is awesome
Oooo. James Callis. Interesting.
How ’bout Daniel Radcliffe? No? Too young? Okay, Eddie Izz-no, wait, better…Rhys Ifans!
Jason O’Mara. Yummy. Yummy!
Anthony Stewart Head. Don’t care that he already did an episode. He’s great!
Anyone who’s seen Jekyll knows that Nesbitt is your answer.
Since you’ve mentioned Coupling, how about Jack Davenport? He has the comedic and dramatic acting chops to pull it off, and also has the physical ‘presence’ that the Doctor should radiate. I will surely miss Tennant, though.
Dylan Moran
Rowan Atkinson. He did a stint as a future Doctor in a comedy special a while back and while it was for laughs, he showed he was born to play the part. Just make it more serious and he’s got it cold.
James Nesbitt is WONDERFUL. How about somebody really out of the box like Alan Rickman?
So I started watching Doctor Who a few weeks ago and I love it. I’m halfway season 2 & I absolutly love David Tennant as the Doctor. I’m going to savour the rest of season 2, 3, & 4.
My choice is John Hannah. I second the shout out of Steve Coogan. He would be brilliant. I’d also love to see Richard Griffiths, but I think it would plummet the sex appeal that they’re going for now.
If they’re looking for a woman, what about Joanna Lumley? She paints the line of drama & comedy as well as anyone. Get young Charlie Hunnam off that ridiculous biker show on FX and pair him as her companion.
How will I break the news to the kids? This has ruined my day. I’m not good with change, especially since the entire family loves Tennant as The Doctor. I kept hoping the rumors weren’t true. It’s too hard to consider anyone else.
I really hope it isn’t a “name” actor. I could definitely support Patterson Joseph, who’d be a brilliant Doctor (and don’t we need to see more non-white actors in sci fi, anyway?).
On the other hand, I’m probably in the minority, but I’d enjoy seeing a few seasons where there’s not a Doctor/companion love interest or the need to deny it every episode. I’m intrigued by the Stephen Fry idea, as a throwback to earlier, more professorial Doctors.
I just trust Stephen Moffatt, the new lead on Who and the author of some of the best scripts in recent series, to make a good choice.
I second the vote for Chiwetel Ejiofur. He is brills.
John Cleese
I was in tears when I heard David was leaving. I apparently have become way too attached.
That being said, I’d like to stick with a male Doctor, personally. Whoever first mentioned James Callis- that’s a really interesting choice. His doctor would be a fun contrast to the past few- Eccleston was really intense and tough and Tennant was a little eccentric- Callis would play a smoother sarcastic Doctor…at least that’s how I see it. A John Pertwee attitude with a hint of Paul McGann’s look.
Okay, Verity, you made my day. I would just about die of happiness if Mark Heap was the Doctor. Or if we could just get Dylan Moran on a Doctor Who episode (with ciggie and Tamsin Greig) at all. I really wish Colin Salmon hadn’t already showed up as Dr. Moon, because now that I think about it, he’d be a great pick as well. That voice! What do you guys think of Julian Rind-Tutt or Stephen Mangan? (Or, for a female Doctor, Moffat can could in a favor with Sarah Alexander).
the doctor can change bodies, can he not? (when he gets killed) so, why not a woman? Maybe Melanie Chisolm? (Yes, I KNOW she is a Spice girl, but I think she could pull it off and her accent is perfect)
If it has to be a guy, Toby Stevens (currently Prince John in Robin Hood) would be my pick. Just teh right ammount of arrogance, I think.
James Nesbitt is definite contender. Anyone, who has watched Jekyll or the Murphy’s Law series can attest to his versatility and cheeky humor. He is one of my favs.
I also like John Hannah. He can be funny and endearing. To go out of the box, Alan Cumming would be a wild card casting and could really showcase the good doctor’s eccentricities.
I would watch John Simm anywhere anytime in anything. And I’d be happy if he took the Doctor role (although I think there’s a snowball’s chance of that happening), but I’d also be happy if he just came back as The Master.
I also like the idea of Robert Carlyle. Or heck, the old rumor of Bill Nighy.
But I guess ultimately I’ll just have to trust in the Moffat to pick as wonderfully well as RTD did.
*fingers crossed*