Ncuti Gatwa talks about his first year as the Fifteenth Doctor after his birthday Doctor Who debut. Officially announced as the new incarnation of the Doctor in May 2022, Gatwa made his debut in the final Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special via a surprising bi-regeneration twist alongside David Tennant. Gatwa officially saw her first full adventure premiere with the 2023 Christmas special “The Church on Ruby Road” alongside Millie Gibson's companion Ruby Sunday, before leading season 14 in 2024.
Just over a year after Gatwa made his screen debut during Doctor WhoIn the 2023 special, the actor opened to GamesRadar+ during a Q&A about how his first year leading the series left an impression. Gatwa admitted that he underestimated the true measure of headlining the show, but he still enjoyed the challenge that his involvement brought. The actor further praised the series' scripts as something that allowed him to grow as an artist:
Before I started properly, I didn't realize the magnitude of what I was taking on, but it's also a magnitude of joy. Scripts written by incredible writers every week have pushed me forward as an actor and as an artist.
The actor further stated that, despite the trials, he still enjoyed the experiences that playing the Doctor brought him, and being part of a franchise that has had an incredible cultural impactcelebrating privately as “every new season, every new episode“offers something special to the world. Check out Gatwa's response below:
It's been so much fun, like I'm always flying from the ceiling with a harness on! It has been a rollercoaster coming into this institution. The series has had a huge impact for so many years, it's part of our cultural fabric, so it's something incredible every time, every new season, every new episode.
What Gatwa's response could mean for the future of Doctor Who
The actor joined the program during a difficult period
For Gatwa, his entry into Doctor Who came with unique challenges when compared to its predecessor. While he may not be the first Doctor to begin his tenure alongside a new showrunner taking over the show, he also took on the role during the 60th anniversary celebrations as The series' production was shaken when Disney embarked on the production as financier and distributor worldwide. As such, along with the back-to-back filming of seasons 14 and 15, Gatwa was in the spotlight during a period of major change for the series.
However, Gatwa's positive memories of his freshman year could be a promising sign for his future with the franchise. With the main series not being ordered beyond Doctor Who season 15 until Disney can approve whether the show has met its success metrics, It's uncertain what the show's production status will be after Season 15.. However, as Gatwa positively praises his experience in the first two seasons, it is possible that Gatwa is committed to the series for at least one additional season.
Our thoughts on Gatwa's Doctor Who experience
Many are eager to see where the actor takes the character
Praise for Gatwa's take on the Doctor has been widespread and is currently one of the most celebrated elements of Russell T Davies' second tenure as showrunner. Although the actor entered the series as one of the most exciting actors to take on the role, his vision of the Time Lord is an adventurous free spirit who also carries a lot of sadness and uncertainty about how he fits into the universe, seeking to open up but being very afraid. to let people in.
With this version of the Time Lord, many viewers were eager to see where his post-Doctor Who The season 14 arc will take it forward. As Gatwa enjoyed his time in the role, many may be hopeful to see him remain in the role of Time Lord for many years to come.
The next Doctor Who The Christmas special, “Joy to the World,” will premiere on Disney+ and BBC One on Christmas Day.
Source: GamesRadar+