This one is for the Whovians! I know you’re out there. Fly your Whovian freak-flags, I won’t judge. Anyway, as was expected, Matt Smith has announced formally that he’ll be stepping down from Dr. Who after this year’s Christmas special. The Christmas special episode is a big deal in the UK – many of the most beloved UK TV shows do “Christmas special” episodes. I’m sure Downton Abbey will do a Christmas special this year, as will Call the Midwife. All of the real drama goes down on Christmas specials, so I’m guessing that Matt Smith’s last episode will be crazy and emotional and all of that. And we’ll also get to see his replacement on the Christmas special too!
Matt Smith, the actor, will step down from the role of Doctor Who at the end of the year. He will bow out in the Christmas special when he will be replaced by a new incarnation of the Time Lord. Smith, 30, who has been in the role since 2010, said it had been “an honour” to play the part.
He said: “Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I’m incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years.”
Smith also paid tribute to the programme’s producer, Steven Moffat, whose “varied, funny, mind bending and brilliant scripts has been one of the greatest and most rewarding challenges of my career”.
He said: “It’s been a privilege and a treat to work with Steven, he’s a good friend and will continue to shape a brilliant world for the Doctor. The fans of Doctor Who around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show (and speculate more about the future of the show) in a way that I’ve never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I’m back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special.”
Smith, who recently made his directorial debut with Cargesee for Sky Arts, has spoken about ambitions for a film-making career. He became the eleventh, and youngest, incarnation of the Time Lord when he was unveiled as the new Doctor. He replaced David Tennant who had taken over from Christopher Eccleston in 2005.
It is not yet known who will replace Smith as the Doctor. His most recent on-screen companion, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman, will stay with the show. Doctor Who marks its 50th anniversary in November with a special episode, which Smith has already filmed.
Smith’s departure has sparked speculation over who would be his replacement. Favourites include Damian Lewis, the Homeland star, or that Tennant may make a return.
Mr Moffat said: “Every day, on every episode, in every set of rushes, Matt Smith surprised me: the way he’d turn a line, or spin on his heels, or make something funny, or out of nowhere make me cry, I just never knew what was coming next. The Doctor can be clown and hero, often at the same time, and Matt rose to both challenges magnificently. And even better than that, given the pressures of this extraordinary show, he is one of the nicest and hardest-working people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Whatever we threw at him – sometimes literally – his behaviour was always worthy of the Doctor. But great actors always know when it’s time for the curtain call, so this Christmas prepare for your hearts to break, as we say goodbye to number Eleven. Thank you Matt – bow ties were never cooler.”
“Of course, this isn’t the end of the story, because now the search begins. Somewhere out there right now – all unknowing, just going about their business – is someone who’s about to become the Doctor. A life is going to change, and Doctor Who will be born all over again. After 50 years, that’s still so exciting.”
Damian Lewis definitely should NOT be the Doctor. And I doubt they would bring Tennant back, right? No, they’ll find someone new. I keep hearing rumors that Moffat offered the role to Benedict Cumberbatch (Cumby stars on Moffat’s other show, Sherlock), but I think those rumors are just wishful thinking by Whovian Cumberbitches. If Cumby wasn’t already doing Sherlock (and if he wasn’t a movie star now), I think he probably would have been perfect for The Doctor. That’s the kind of actor they should be looking for –the next Cumberbatch. Kind of strange, brilliant, weird, amazingly watchable.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet and WENN.
what?!? no, I love Matt Smith. meh, it will take some adjustment but I’ll keep watching.
They should cast Colin Morgan as the next Doctor! He would be perfect, he has the right amount of quirky, brilliant, and lovable qualities to be the Doctor. Colin Morgan ftw!!(:
Ooh! Love that idea, love Colin and am still going through Merlin withdrawal!
Matt Smith was far from my favorite Doctor but it will be sad to see him go! I’m hoping for an angrier, more Eccleston/Nine type for the next.
Glad Clara is sticking around though, I love her spunk!
I love Clara, great character.
I think they will go with a less famous actor like Matt Smith when he was cast. I don’t have any fears as Steven Moffat has cast so many great little actors for his shows.
Matt wasn’t all that famous until he was cast as Dr Who though. This was really the making of him.
He was great for a long time, with his smile and floppy hair. Until Clara, I think. Then he became all gimmicky without his previous wonderful personality. Again my thoughts.
Clara was interesting at first but I didn’t really see her developing much of a relationship with the Doctor, so her sacrifices seemed a bit too much too soon. Also she is written as perky and she is certainly that, but it seems too much. I would prefer it if we could see her more vunerable side sometimes. To me, it would make her seem more human.
I’m so bummed about this. And I think they’ll choose someone relatively unknown.
Although The Guardian floated Rory Kinnear this morning, and that would make me *so* happy.
I saw Ben Whishaw on the G’s poll with Rory Kinnear which made me *very* happy, but I think Q is probably a bit busy for a TV series.
Whishaw won’t do it. He doesn’t need Doctor Who. He wants a stage career. I also don’t think he would be that good in the role.
I would LOVE it if Ben Whishaw (my husband) would do it…I think he’d make a PERFECT Doctor, but yeah…very doubtful that would actually happen.
How about Colin Morgan (he was actually already in an episode, he played Jethro in “Midnight” for anyone who watches)? If they’re looking to keep him younger I think he’d be a good choice!
I think it needs to be a relative unknown.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m an old-school Whovian, so I’m not going to be devastated over a Doctor leaving. It happens. Obviously. Matt was great, but I love all of them.
My dream casting though would be Eddie Izzard or Miranda Richardson. 😀
I agree. It’ll be someone we don’t know well and I think they’ll try for leftfield in some way. Think black actor more likely than female actor.
I saw Idris Alba(sp) mentioned for the role.
Cumby is not happening – way too many echos of his Sherlock character. Is no one else thinking Hiddleston? I swear I’m not kidding.
I love Hiddleston as much as the next hot-blooded woman, but but I don’t see it.
Hiddleston has too much of this boyish charm to him; he literally oozes it. He’s definitely talented, I doubt they’d offer it to him.
I can’t see Hiddles at all at all at all. Despite fancying the pants off him (well, one minute I do, the next he does something to make my skin crawl). I can’t see that he’d want it, either.
I like Matt Smith but agree he wasn’t my favorite. I’d be very happy to have David Tennant back!!! But I doubt he would do it.
Yes for a second round of David Tennant! Loooove him.
I’m starting to wonder if there will actually be another series. Maybe I’ve just grown up a bit, or maybe the new writing just isn’t my cup of tea, but I always thought that Doctor Who’s hayday was when Russell T. Davies was at the helm (even though I personally think Matt Smith is the superior Doctor compared to Tennant.)
Anyway, my neighbour’s kid is adament that there won’t be another series because of the arrival of J*** H*** in the series finale. Apparently the Doctor has a limited number of regenerations, and the aforementioned spoiler throws a bit of a spanner into the works.
Ah, geekdom. How I love thee so.
Of course there will be another series!! The show is a cash cow there is no way they would let it go!!! Plus I would be so sad if it was done 😉
There is no way they’re letting this go. How amazing would a John Hurt doctor be, though?
He would be great! I’m afraid, however, that the heyday of grizzled old Doctors was in the ’60s and 70s. They want someone youngish and cutish to hook in the fangirls now. But I’d be happy with an old guy.
SPOILER DON’T READ if you haven’t seen the finale…
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Tell your neighbor kid that even with that revelation, there should be one more according to the rules. 12 regenerations=13 doctors (one original plus 12 regenerations). Besides, there are ways around it. The Master once stole someone’s body in order to have another regeneration. The Doctor wouldn’t do that, but I could see a companion or someone sacrificing himself or herself for the Doc.
I know. I’m a nerd.
Also spoiler!
The finale showed us a Dr before Eccleston! A bad Dr, I wonder how that will pan out.
Also, didn’t River Song give the Doctor her remaining regenrations?
River used her remaining regenrations to bring the doctor back to life (after killing him). So that means she can no longer regenrate, but doesn’t conclusively mean anything about the doctor.
From what I remember of Doctor Who lore, it was a more of Gallifreyan rule that limits the regenerations to 12. Since the Doctor is the last of the Time Lords, he doesn’t necessarily have to abide by that rule.
Plus, we don’t know what sort of effect River’s sacrifice of her regenerations has upon his own regeneration numbers.
If you are really a Doctor Who nerd you know that River gave the Doctor all of her remaining regenerations to save him. I think the idea of a limit of 12 regenerations (that was espoused in the Classic series) is out the window now.
I just hope they go with a proper Doctor rather than a “politically-correct” Doctor. While I think Idris Elba would make an awesome Doctor, they would not be able to just ignore the race issue when dealing with certain times/places. If they did that and didn’t address it – like no one noticed – it would be ridiculous. If they did that and spent a lot of time on it, it would get tedious.
John Hurt as the doctor would be amazing. He could get rid of the Daleks just by telling them to “P*ss off” with that voice. But, I’ll take what I can get, and if that’s the 50th Anniversary Special, so be it.
Amy, I bow down to your Dr Who knowledge 🙂
If a companion ends up sacrificing his/herself for the Doctor, I hope it’s Oswin, or whatever the hell her name is now.
Talking quickly and smirking from time to time does not a character make.
Thanks!
Well, be careful what you wish for! Whoever plays that companion may have to be the next Doctor 😉
This is such a great article on Matt Smith’s Doctor:
http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2013/06/matt-smith-rise-and-fall-hipster-doctor
Yes! This is *exactly* how I’ve felt about the writing this series. Best episode (he Victorian one) was written by Mark Gatiss. I’m also crossing everything the Christmas special pulls it altogether so Matt (love him but not in a jiggy jiggy way) goes out on a high.
I think his best episode was always the Pandorica. Both parts.
I’ve been a DW fan (just found out we are referred to as Whovians) since the late sixties off and on. I don’t think I will ever forget Vincent and the Dr. The death of the Krafayis had me crying, and then at the end with Bill Nighy I was just bawling. And for the record, David Tennant every day, every way.
Yes! I love Matt Smith, he’s had moments which have had me biting my fingernails or biting back tears, but the writing has let him down.
I hope he gets to shine in his last episodes.
Same. I think my biggest problem with the Moffat years has been the episodes that have so many layers of twists, complications and cleverness that make the story indecipherable and this trend of always having a companion who is the most super-special person in the universe ordained by destiny to perform the most super-special acts in the universe. I prefer the everyman quality to the companions, but’s no slight against Karen Gillan or Jenna-Louise Coleman. I grew weary of Amy because of her treatment of Rory and I don’t even know what Clara is but that’s all on the writing for me.
Perhaps John Hurt = Valeyard?
Do you reckon they’d ever throw a spanner in the works and choose a female doctor?? Is there some reason he’s always a man? I can’t remember from watching episodes when he transforms. I reckon that would be pretty great though – a female doctor and male companion for a change!
This a thousand times. It’s ridiculous there hasn’t been yet a female doctor.
And the fact that most people are not even considering the option of a woman is telling.
Well considering how Moffat feels about women, i think not…
http://io9.com/5022250/why-steven-moffat-isnt-all-that
Matt Smith – my favourite Doctor HANDS DOWN !!!! His Doctor is quirky, broody, fun and so very emotional. I love him and I will miss him terribly.
Seeing a Doctor leave is heart breaking but meeting a new one is breath-taking! I have many an opinion:
1) What annoys me about the current press on the 50th anniversary (or at least the news we’re getting in Australia) is that it’s all about David Tennant’ return, which, i think in many ways is not fair on Matt Smith as he is still the current Doctor.
2) Cumberbatch would not make a good a Doctor. I just don’t think he’d be right for it. He would however make a terrific Master.
3) My dream 12th Doctor is Ben Whishaw but i don’t think it would ever happen
Typical for me, I’m just now really starting to appreciate Matt Smith’s Doctor, as he’s getting ready to leave. I was so devastated when 10 left that I pouted for a few seasons, lol.
Ben would be great!
As for Cumberbatch, he only makes for a good bad guy (imo) so he would make for a good cameo as a bad guy. But as the Doctor? Terrible, absolutely terrible idea.
I don’t get it. Is the press oblivious or are people just stupid? Oh it will be Bennedict Cumberbatch! Um yeah, he’ll just suspend a thriving Hollywood movie career and get right on that! Damien Lewis! Sure he’ll just have to get out if his contract for his Emmy winning US series, no problem! Idris Elba…see Cumby. Honestly is it just for the story hits on the websites? Wishful thinking? It’s so weird!
Co-sign.
Even Ben Whishaw. Though I believe He has the right sense of whimsicality for it, he’s on the cusp of carving out a niche for himself in international film. Don’t think so.
I’m a big Whovian and I’m truly devastated by this news. Matt is my favourite Doctor and I believed him when he said he will stay for the 8th season. Rule nr 1 – the Doctor lies and the production forces the actors to lie as well. Tennant did the same – he promised he will stay and he left shortly after making this promise. It will be hard to accept someone new, but as I wrote on the last Matt thread – I would watch even if Kellan “Kellan Lutz” Lutz was given the role and I’m sure they won’t stoop this low. I like the idea of a ginger Doctor, as he wished after his regeneration. Rupert Grint maybe? He has a good comedic timing and I could imagine him as a good enough young and awkward version of the Doctor. Or if he is too young – Domhnall Gleeson. Damien Lewis is out of picture – he is too busy and succesful. The biggest problem for me is Clara – I don’t like her and warming up to both her and the new Doctor might be even harder than usual. It would be much easier with Rory or someone as likeable as him around.
I agree with Clara. I think she was a big part of why the second half of last season didn’t work. She had no real character. She was there for a purpose, which was fine, but it wasn’t enough to carry through half a dozen episodes.
I’m also furious about the way in which River Song was dismissed in the last episode. That was just lazy and uncreative writing.
River Song, yes. I wasn’t her biggest fan but I liked the idea of Doctor’s wife, who shows up for some episodes but isn’t there all the time as opposed to the Doctor’s affairs with companions. Moffat built up the whole mystery around River and disposed of her without finishing many of her stories. We know from the library and other episodes that she knew the Doctor’s name, that he gave her his screwdriver, that they were spending a lot of time together and that she kept pictures of his past and future incarnations, because she could meet him anywhere on his timeline and now what? It was implied we won’t meet her again – so what about the name, screwdriver and those meetings in the future? I gave Moffat benefit of the doubt and couldn’t believe when people speculated that he will get rid of her before explaining those parts but they were right. I don’t understand why he would do that. Her presence would be much more valuable now, when the Ponds are gone but he probably wanted to open the possibility of yet another boring Doctor-companion romance.
I keep agreeing with you, T Fanty! Another non-fan of Clara here. How she’s going to carry a new Doctor, I can’t imagine. River could.
Agree so much. They could have had the last episodes without Clara and it wouldn’t have made a difference. (Kinda like they did with Tennant where he didn’t have a companion the last few episode/specials.) I thought she would be so interesting after Asylum of the Daleks but no.
@NB;
I agree 100%. I don’t mind him writing her out (although I thought her chemistry with the Doctor was perfect), I think they just did it in a way that completely cheated the character. She deserved better. I also thought there was something decidedly unsavory about writing out a kick-ass and challenging older woman two episodes after the doctor noticed that young and slightly vacant Clara wore a tight skirt.
River’s memories were captured on the hard drive in the library. I’m hoping the Dr can find a way to resurrect her. She would also make an awesome Dr.
Also agreeing! As soon as Clara was introduced, this is going to sound silly, I know its a tv show, but with her, it made it very obvious that it was.
And River Song, you deserved a better ending.
River’s alright, I don’t know. She’s so frequently moping about the romance when her time could be devoted to taking out the trash. Once her eyes dampen–which they always do–I’m reminded that I don’t miss her when she’s gone.
Domhnall Gleeson!I’d never seen him in anything until Anna Karennina. Was reading this thread and he popped in my head but didn’t know his name.There’s just something about that guy…
So sad that Matt’s not the doctor anymore he was a brilliant doctor and my favorite one. I just hope the New one is as good as Matt. Those are sum big shoes to fill so the new doctor better not disappoint.
Richard Ayoade, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker (yes, he looks the part, he looks like a Time Lord) and Tilda Swinton ( a real-life alien).
Richard Ayoade would be excellent!
Yes! Richard Ayoade or Bill Nighy would be my picks. But Bill Nighy in a ginger wig 🙂
You write it as ‘Dr. Who’ to piss off Whovians, don’t you? lol
Anywho, my first Doctor was Tennant and them Smith came along. I think he really grew into the roll this year, and I finally came around and loved his portrayal of the Doctor. Now he’s leaving. 🙁 Not to mention that I FLOVE him and Clara!!! Here’s hoping they’ll find a great replacement!
I will definitely miss Matt Smith, but this can’t be wholly unexpected. Such is the nature of the show, sadly. I’m hoping for Domhnall Gleeson. Super talented and GINGER!
YEAH! GINGER!
I’m English, and I don’t really watch Dr Who but I am really, really curious about what American people think about it? As in what makes it good or watchable? I’ve always thought of it as something quite quaint…Someone please explain? 🙂
My husband introduced our kids to this show years ago, and they’re all hooked. My teenaged daughter and her friends are OBSESSED with this show. They had a party at our house to watch this season’s finale. Honestly, I don’t “get” it, and I’d really never heard of it before-but the younger generation seem to be huge fans.
Hey Harriet, my 2 boys and I love to watch it together and I think part of the appeal is the sciency part of it. The boys are really into that kind of thing. For me, I like it because it’s a show that is fun, entertaining, and I can watch it WITH my kids. So many of our shows in the US are just drivel and I wouldn’t waste my time on them, certainly not with my kids. Plus, I get a bit of eye candy, too. 😉 Pretty winning combo for me.
There are very few scripted American shows you can watch as a family without boring the hell out of the adults. I think the American market shies away from even trying to make appealing family shows because you will inevitably offend someone. I don’t mind the rare innuendo in Doctor Who or the occasional kiss. I think the double entendres fly over the kids’ heads and are entertaining for the adults. Plus it’s hilarious to hear my son groan, “Ewwww. Grosss,” when there is kissing. I do know several other moms who strongly object to anything they perceive as romantic or “sexual” in a family show. In general, Americans would rather watch 2 characters beat the snot out of each other than watch them express love. The over all message of Doctor Who is so positive- respect other cultures, avoid violence, etc- I think it’s perfect for families.
@mattie hairie I disagree with this whole Americans love violent crap. I think there’s more money to be made with adult shows and kid shows and not so much with family shows. The shows I would consider family shows have way to many things of a sexual nature in them despite being sitcoms. And no violence.
I don’t think American families spend all that much time together anyways. Everyone’s out doing their own thing, the only show they seem to be able to get together for is glee ugh. Stupid idiotic glee. Kids have hundreds of different channels dedicated to them.
You should watch some of the cartoons your kids probably watch like legend of korra, adventure time, etc. lots of innuendos that they don’t understand and yes the occasional expression of love and cartoon violence. Is that objectionary to people? You may enjoy it too.
I don’t think it’s because we’re inherently enjoy violence. Every tv show I’ve seen there’s so much sex and kissing and expressions of love. And then there are tv shows with violence lots of it. The problem with that is these shows are in at points in the day when a kid might be watching. Thee should probably be restrictions on that, but whatever kids have Internet they find ways. American tv is hella more diverse then people think, despite our reality tv shows.
I thought Matt Smith did a wonderful job as the doctor – he could have done a better job if he wasn’t increasingly let down by poor scripts. I mean, seriously, how many episodes had the main problem solved by tears, human feelings and even more tears and non-nonsensical gibberish.
I’d be more excited about who the new doctor is if I didn’t feel so apathetic to the whole thing…
Ugh me too. Same with AD I’m just too busy with work to care about a tv show right now. Especially since I have to concentrate fully in the show and analyze it like crazy! Which is why I haven’t watched mad men either which I love to analyze and talk about.
I like smith both as an actor and a person. He’s goofy nod lovable. Watch his interview with Craig ferguson! Soooo cute. I actually ended up liking him more than tennant. I didn’t think that was possible.
NOOOOOO!
I love Matt’s Doctor. He has been so funny and charming. Very sad to see him go.
However I have to agree with earlier poster – if someone should give up their life for the doctor I hope it’s Clara. She bores me to tears. And after the Dalek asylum I had such high hopes for the girl. Pity.
it’s “Doctor Who” NOT “Dr. Who”!!!
I know, I know, but headlines have to be short, and if we yell at them every time, I’m afraid they won’t write about our show! 😉
I know, but can’t be bothered.
There’s more to his leaving than his statement implies. A month ago, a new executive producer was brought in (Brian Minchin – who was a script editor during the Davies days and went on to help produce the Sarah Jane Adventures, and Torchwood: Miracle Day). When it was announced that he was on board, Matt smith said emphatically that he’d STAY the doctor. Something behind the scenes is happening – I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few weeks, we hear that Moffat is leaving too(and I say, good riddance TO HIM – not Matt Smith.. he wasn’t a great Doctor, but he wasn’t bad either). Not saying that this wasn’t Smith’s decision.. but I’m not saying that it was, either.
Hmmmmmmm
Well, I was totally a Moffatt fan after I got tired of Davis. Now, I’m tired of Moffatt and miss Davis.
I always thought that the Sarah Jane Adventures were far better written than Doctor Who – especially in the mid to late Amy/Rory years.
Now I’m going to put all my hopes in Brian Minchin.
Although, it must be getting similar to Star Trek – franchise fatigue? Many Trekkies gave Rick Berman and Brannon Braga a lot of grief over Star Trek, when I think it was more of a problem of being too long on one singular project.
The most recent series has been getting a lot of criticism for not being well-written. Maybe they’re clearing house. The Doctor Who franchise is a major part of the BBC and I’m sure they won’t take any chances.
Idris Elba, please. Eccleston was my favorite Doctor, because he had that angry swagger thing going on. IMO they should go back to that for a while, and give that whole Whimsical Childlike Doctor thing a break. Also: eye candy.
A black Time Lord would ba awesome, but I doubt it’ll happen. Or Tilda Swinton, but that would be a miracle :p.
I’m betting on an unknown irish dark-haired and quirky actor lol
A serious Idris Elba would be a welcomed contrast to the more childish outcome of Matt Smith’s take on the character.
I was worried when 10 left but 11 turned out fine. So maybe this one I won’t worry?
(I’m also a mutant that liked 9 because he was bitter and angry which was a nice switch all things considered.)
You are certainly no mutant! I loved Christopher Eccleston’s 9th Doctor! Tennant is my least favourite even though my handle is his catch phrase ;p
I’m not a watcher of the show-but my husband and kids love it-but how about Dan Radcliffe? I told my family I’d actually join them in watching it if he joined.
Question for the Whovians- isn’t there a limit on how many times the Doctor can regenerate? Aren’t they getting close to the limit by now?
I need to know these things because I plan to get into Doctor Who as soon as I finish Uni exams. You have to have goals in life after all!
Supposed to be 12 regenerations (which I am taking to mean 13 Doctors), but there are ways around it. The Master was supposed to be on his last regeneration since the 1960s, but he kept finding loopholes.
Hmm yes Amy.
There was this thing where River was a sort of time lord, being conceived in the Tardis, she did regenerate once, proving the point.
Than this thing happened where she saved the doctor by giving him her regenerations….
…no. He’s way too young and just no. I don’t think DR is as good an actor as everyone thinks he is. He’s decent not astounding. But no.
I second that.
According to Fourth Doctor episode “The Deadly Assassin,” there are 12 regenerations. That was mentioned by the Eighth Doctor as well. But the council has the ability to give new regeneration cycles to Time Lords (the Master was given this chance.) With the Time Lords and the Council time locked (and the Doctor not), perhaps the limit on the number of regenerations the Doctor has is gone (if it was a specific number of regenerations that was imposed on Time Lords by the council.) Or when the Doctor reset the universe in “The Big Bang” he reset his regeneration cycles. Or when River gave up all her regenerations to heal him, he has those regenerations within him. Or if the power comes from the TARDIS(as clunkily used to explain River’s ability to regenerate), and the TARDIS is wonky, she might give him more regenerations. Or, the Doctor lies.
Just this time, it would be nice if he was ginger. He’s always wanted to be ginger.
Sorry, Whovian since the Fourth and a certified Doctor Who geek.
I agree with all of the above.
We discuss this shit at length. Grown 40 and 50 somethings arguing the regeneration cycles of a Time Lord… scary but fun!
I’ve only been a fan for a short time, but I became addicted. I was a little sad when I heard the news for a minute I felt like it was a break up. lol don’t judge me too much.
I’m so sadden by this. He’s my favorite Doctor! He is the absolute best imo and I started watching with Eccleston just before Tennant took over. I loved Tennant but Matt turned out much better than I imagined. So very sad now.
Also basically there will be no more episodes with him just the 50th Anniversary special and the Christmas special?
There will be pressure on the BBC to give the role to a non white actor. I can see Adrian Lester getting the role. He is very well connected.
Cumberbatch would be a brilliant Doctor but too late now with that growing film career. However if they ever stopped the series way down the line to focus on big Hollywood films then Cumberbatch would be a great choice.
The only reason everyone keeps going to Cumberbatch is because the characters are written so similarly. It’s not a good idea, in that respect.
I LOVE the Adrian Lester idea. I’m still harboring a crush on him from when he did Company at the Donmar.
Rupert Grint as the Doctor! I’d totally go for that.
Absolutely 100% agreed, Rupert Grint is the best choice
Since I’m just day-dreaming about this, I nominate Rupert Everett, Eddie Izzard & Tilda Swinton. I can envision any of them bringing something wonderful to the Doctor. Rupert is bitter but can act brilliant & superior, Eddie would be whimsical yet strange enough, & Tilda is such a fabulous alien.
I do think Rupert & Eddie would ham it up a bit too much, though. I also can see David Thewlis as the Doctor, but again, possible ham.
I didn’t know Matt Smith was considering leaving, so I was pretty surprised.
I’m a diehard Whovian and I always have trouble adjusting when a regen happens. I’m still getting over losing Tennant- totally not ready for 11 to go! I do wish Russell T Davies would come back- I think Moffatt is just farking with my emotions.
Cumberbatch has no business as the Doctor, imo. Let’s keep those fandoms separated!
Oh me too UghInsomnia, I couldn’t agree more! I may or may not have actually cried about this news (ducks and hides… hey I’m going through some stuff lately ok?) Anyway, I’m actually normally alright with change IRL but changes in my “fandoms” I just can’t handle for some reason.
Still not over David Tennant leaving and now Matt? Ugh just too much! I actually for one ADORED the River Song storyline and hated the way they left it hanging for so long and then just dismissed her to fade away. But really nothing tops the chemistry between Tennant and Billie Piper IMO my god they were fabulous together!
Aww ((hugs)) I totally understand! DW is my escape from reality and I get SO involved and attached to characters- I openly cry every single time I watch Rose say goodbye! It’s just too much!!
Damn, he looks bad boy hot in this black jacket!! He has such an interesting face.. those eyes, those cheekbones, those lips, the stubble.. YUMMY!!!
I think he was kinda cute and dorky with his floppy hair, but for some reason the buzzed haircut makes him look really hot.
I might be totally wack here (probably am) but I really want to see an older Doctor for once. They just keep getting younger and younger. Gabriel Byrne would be awesome, but he might be a little too long in the tooth.
Longer in the tooth than the First Doctor? I think not!
I’m absolutely traumatised by this. I love Matt and I wish he would play the Doctor forever but…sigh.
Also, I guess it’s not a popular opinion, but I seriously don’t like Tennant as the doctor, so I hope he won’t be coming back.
stephen campbell-moore or stephen mangan would be incredible as the doctor- both very different, but solid british actors.
I love the idea of Stephen Cambell-Moore as the Doctor! Great idea. Haven’t seen Stephen Mangan in anything.
God forbid if they ever had that freak-frog-lizard over rated as hell Cumberbatch as the Doctor. I would stop watching it immediately.
I would love, love, love it if Tennant was brought back. Sigh. I miss him as the Doctor.
If Matt Smith is actually leaving, I’d love it if Hugh Laurie filled in! Do you think that could happen?
Pfff I wish. But not a hope in hell. House = House
They should cast the girl who plays Luna Lovegood. She’d be amazing.
I stopped watching it after a couple of episodes this season, I really don’t mind Matt Smith at all but the writing since Tennant left has been diabolical imo. I was not an Amy Pond fan either so kind of went downhill for me from there. It would take a lot to get me re-watching now, like Bill Nighy(amazing but will never happen?), I think an unknown could really sink it at this point. The Tennant era brought it up to a huge popularity and it has sunk quite a bit in most people’s estimation in the U.K. anyway. I do want to see the ep with all the Doctors re-united, have they shown it yet? It feels like the BBC hardly even promoted this last series, I do hope it gets a big overhaul.