Futurism logo

The BBC Issues a Perfect Response to the 'Doctor Who' Casting Uproar

The new showrunner has big plans to change the show, beginning with casting Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteen Doctor.

By Lewis JefferiesPublished 6 years ago 2 min read
Like
'Doctor Who' [Credit: BBC]

Doctor Who has been a huge hit for the BBC recently, despite the recent dip in ratings. However, with a new showrunner taking over for Season 11, the ratings are expected to peak again as part of the show's transformation. With that in mind, Chris Chibnall, the new showrunner, has big plans to change the show, beginning with casting Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteen Doctor.

It hasn't even been a week since the Thirteenth Doctor was revealed, and fans of Doctor Who have already written to the BBC claiming they're unhappy about Jodie Whittaker being cast as the next Time Lord. Jodie will be the first female Doctor in the show since it started back in 1963, marking a new chapter in Doctor Who history.

With the numerous complaints being filed, the #BBC has beautifully replied to the ranting fans. In an online statement, the BBC said:

Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme. The continual input of fresh ideas and new voices across the cast and the writing and production teams has been key to the longevity of the series.
The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.
As the Controller of BBC Drama has said, Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.
We hope viewers will enjoy what we have in store for the continuation of the story.

Co-Creator Of Doctor Who Wanted The Doctor To Become Female

'Doctor Who' [Credit: BBC]

Co-creator of #DoctorWho, Sydney Newman, wrote a letter to the BBC back in 1986, as the BBC was desperately looking for new ways to revive the long-running science fiction show. Part of his letter read:

At a later stage, Doctor Who should be metamorphosed into a woman. This requires some considerable thought — mainly because I want to avoid a flashy, Hollywood Wonder Woman because this kind of heroine with no flaws is a bore. Given more time than I have now, I can create such a character.

At the time, the BBC chose to ignore Newman's suggestion, which could have made the viewing ratings improve. Ever since 1963 — and the revival in 2005 — the Doctor has remained male up until this July of 2017.

Final Thoughts

Current showrunner, Steven Moffat, and the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi, will bow out of Doctor Who this Christmas. The Christmas special will star Harry Potter star David Bradley, who will aid the Twelfth Doctor in his final adventure before regenerating.

scifi tv
Like

About the Creator

Lewis Jefferies

MA Media and Communication graduate from the University of Portsmouth - Massive Doctor Who Fan.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.