Jodie Whittaker Has A Choice For The Next Doctor Who
Jodie Whittaker knows who she wants as the next Doctor Who!
This article is more than 2 years old
It has been a long time since one-season Christopher Eccleston was traumatized as the 9th Doctor on Doctor Who (via Digital Spy). The series is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the return of Russel T. Davies as showrunner (per Gizmodo). Davies was in charge of Doctor Who from 2005-2010, before the height of Matt Smith hysteria . Though even the former Doctor himself isn’t watching the show anymore. With the 60th anniversary coming up, there are many changes being made to the program. First and foremost, the famous Christmas Special will be the last appearance of Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor (per Winter Is Coming), and actress playing the thirteenth iteration of the Time Lord has an opinion on who should succeed her.
If Jodie Whittaker’s opinion is taken into account, we may not see a man become the fourteenth Doctor. Recently on Radio 1, Whittaker was prompted about who she would think would be an acceptable replacement. The actress did not disappoint with her answer. She said, “I’m going to pick an actress who I think is really exciting and I think would be phenomenal, is Lydia West. If I had the power!” (via Entertainment Weekly). West is a British actress whose most recent credit is on HBO Max’s limited series It’s A Sin, which was created and helmed by the returning Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies. In response to Whittaker’s proclamation, West added some kind words. The actress stated that it would be an honor to take up the mantle (via Radio Times). There is no word on West’s consideration, though Doctor Who is currently holding auditions.
Jodie Whittaker made headlines in 2018 when she was cast as the first female Doctor in the history of Doctor Who. This was significant as Doctor Who has pretty notable instances of problematic storytelling. Previous showrunner Steven Moffat has often been accused of his depiction of women as being offensive (via The Guardian). Whittaker being cast as the all-knowing, world-saving Time Lord was a breath of fresh air. But as with all good things, this iteration must come to an end and regenerate once again. The biggest question on fans’ minds is who will play the next Doctor?
Lydia West’s connections to Doctor Who do not just start and stop with Jodie Whitakker’s recommendation. West has worked with Steven Moffat previously on the limited series Dracula. She is also slated to appear in Inside Man which involves Moffat as well as fan favorite Doctor, David Tennant. It would be an exciting prospect to see another actress in the role of the Time Lord, though many will lament the loss of Whitakker.
Jodie Whittaker has not been shy about her thoughts on retiring from the Doctor. Originally Whittaker signed on for three seasons, which is not unique. Eccleston only lasted one season whereas Peter Capaldi also had a tenure of three seasons. Even so, Whittaker humored doubts about leaving. She stated to Entertainment Weekly that while she had some misgivings about her departure, it was one of the best jobs she never had. Even if she will miss her experiences, the show is in need of “new energy.”
The actress should have nothing to worry about, if her predecessors are any indication. Capaldi recently appeared in The Suicide Squad as “Thinker.” Matt Smith will be appearing in HBO’s Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon. A seasoned actress, viewers are sure to see Jodie Whittaker again in the near future.
