Ncuti Gatwa has something to say to those who aren’t happy about him playing the Fifteenth Doctor.
Gatwa is the first Black and openly queer actor to take on the Doctor role, and this made him receive some criticism. But he’s not letting it get to him.
Some claim that ‘Doctor Who’ is becoming too ‘woke’ or politically correct just because it now stars a diverse lead. Gatwa says the following in response to this criticism:
“Don’t watch. Turn off the TV. Go and touch grass, please, for God’s sake.”
Gatwa first appeared as the Doctor during last year’s 60th anniversary and Christmas specials and will continue in the role when the new season starts on May 10.
He Says The Show is About Diversity
Gatwa points out that ‘Doctor Who’ has always been about change and diversity. The Doctor is an alien, after all, so why would they always look the same? He believes that real fans of the show will understand this.
He also said it’s important having a hero like the Doctor, especially at a time when he feels the world is becoming less accepting of queer people. Gatwa thinks it’s great that the Doctor can be a hero for everyone:
“Whether you’re 12 years old and just beginning to work out who you are, 62 years old and you’ve never been who you are, or 61 years old like I am and beginning to worry about where we are in society – there is a hero out there cutting his way through the universe, looking damn good in his suits and doing it with a laugh and a smile.”
‘Doctor Who’ returns this week with two new episodes. Gatwa is set to play the Doctor for at least two more seasons, and there’s talk about even more.
