Summary
Several actors have portrayed the Doctor in the hit BBC series,Doctor Who. One of the actors who portrayed the character named another star who could carry the mantle.
Doctor Whohas been around for decades and 14 actors have already portrayed the titular character. William Hartnell served as the First Doctor from 1963 to 1966 and Ncuti Gatwa was the Fifteenth Doctor since 2023. David Tennant played the Tenth (2005 - 2010) and Fourteenth Doctor (2022). The other actors who portrayed the character were Patrick Troughton (Second Doctor), Jon Pertwee (Third Doctor), Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor), Peter Davison (Fifth Doctor), Colin Baker (Sixth Doctor), Sylvester McCoy (Seventh Doctor), Paul McGann (Eighth Doctor), Christopher Eccleston (Ninth Doctor), Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor), Peter Capaldi (Twelfth Doctor) and Jodie Whittaker (Thirteenth Doctor). One of them suggested another actor who could potentially play the character.
Smith, who portrayed Daemon Targaryen inHouse of the Dragon, believed one of his co-stars would make a great Doctor in the hit series. The English actor was convinced that Rhys Ifans, who portrayed Otto Hightower in theGame of Thronesprequel could take on the mantle. “Imagine Rhys Ifans beingDoctor Who? It’d be amazing. And he’s Welsh… I’d love to see one of my friends take on the mantle of that,” Smith said, perPopverse. Although Smith wanted to see Rhys play the Doctor, he also acknowledged Gatwa’s portrayal of the character. According to him, Gatwa was “amazing” at playing the Doctor.Smith had also previously defended the series from the critics, saying he could not understand the issue. “People that attackDoctor Whoblow my mind. It’s about an alien who is cool and travels around the universe saving civilizations - what’s not to love?” he asked.
Smith was only 26 when he was cast as the Time Lord. Initially, many were hesitant about him portraying the 900(ish)-year-old character, but he proved to everyone that he could take on the role. His speech in The Pandorica Opens, where he talked about the Doctor’s legacy, was considered one of the finest moments in the series.Portraying the Eleventh Doctor, Smith reminded the alien fleet planning to take the Pandorica and that they could not take it from him. “Come on, look at me! No plan, no backup, no weapons worth a damn, oh, and something else I don’t have: anything to lose!” the Eleventh Doctor said. “So, if you’re sitting up there in your silly little space ships with all your silly little guns, and you’ve got any plans on taking the Pandorica tonight, just remember who’s standing in your way! Remember every black day I ever stopped you, and then, and then, do the smart thing!” The ships fled, and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), the companion of the Eleventh Doctor, was very impressed by what he had witnessed.
Smith has a good point about Ifans portraying the Doctor. Ifans is a versatile actor and he has the charisma and eccentric energy, which is often associated with the Doctor. His talent was evident in his portrayal of Doctor Curtis Connors, aka Lizard, inSpider-Manand as Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna Lovegood’s eccentric father, inHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1in 2010. The ability to balance drama and eccentricity is a key element in Doctor Who, so there is no doubt that Ifans could pull off the character. Also, Ifans is a Welsh actor and since the series, which has been airing on BBC, traditionally cast talents from the United Kingdom, Ifans seemingly ticks all the boxes.
