Doctor Whohas seen its enigmatic Time Lord capture the hearts and imaginations of viewers in a way few other science fiction television characters have.David Tennant’s period as the Tenth Doctor is etched as a remarkable era in the series' lore. His impactful portrayal has left a lasting impression not just on fans, but also on his successors, including the Fifteenth Doctor,Ncuti Gatwa.
Ncuti Gatwa, set to debut in the show’s 60th-anniversary special titled “The Giggle,” recently spoke toThe Guardianabout his admiration for Tennant. Gatwa’s reverence for Tennant stems from his teenage years, a formative period during which Tennant’s Doctor was a source of inspiration and fascination. Gatwa recalls Tennant’s “Scottish feral-ness” and charismatic presence as defining traits that made his version of the Doctor both unique and relatable. Gatwa shared:
It feels like it’s come full circle – because David was my Doctor and such a great inspiration to me as an actor. I would have been 13 – a pivotal time. And firstly, he’s Scottish. Plus he was so charismatic and fun. I mean all the Doctors have been fun, all the way back. Well, I don’t know if you can say that about William Hartnell. Maybe he wasn’t fun. But David had such a Scottish almost feral-ness to him, which is what I liked. I felt an affinity to that. So for him, of all people, to be handing the baton over – it just feels really surreal.
Doctor Who
Originally premiered in 1963, Doctor Who is a sci-fi series that follows a powerful being known as a Time Lord, referred to as the Doctor. Using an interdimensional time-traveling ship known as the TARDIS, the Doctor travels time and space with various companions as they solve multiple problems and help avert catastrophe as much as they almost cause it. Though the Doctor is always the same character, they experience regenerations, allowing them to be recast every few seasons as a unique immortal being with new personality traits.
Tennant’s return to the series in an all-new incarnation, the Fourteenth Doctor, for the milestone anniversary specials, has been a source of excitement for fans and industry insiders alike. His final special, where he faces the 1960s villain the Toymaker (portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris), promises to be a thrilling conclusion to his latest chapter in the series before the baton is passed to Gatwa.
David Tennant’s influence was key in reestablishingDoctor Who’sappeal to a newer generation. Taking over from Christopher Eccleston, Tennant had the challenging task of sustaining the show’s renewed popularity. His interpretation of the Doctor was a complex mix of exuberance and hidden pain, a character who was outwardly energetic but internally haunted by his past. This depth of characterisation resonated with audiences, re-establishing the show as a cornerstone of the BBC’s lineup.
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David Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor: A Distinct Departure from the Tenth
The intrigue surrounding Tennant’s latest stint as the Fourteenth Doctor stems from how distinct this iteration is from his earlier portrayal. Fans initially had reservations about whether this return would simply rehash theTenth Doctor’s highlights. However, Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor emerged as a character shaped by his past experiences, free from the shadows of the Time War yet grappling with new doubts and revelations. This nuanced portrayal has only deepened fans' appreciation for Tennant’s talent.
Gatwa’s admiration for Tennant is more than just a professional acknowledgment. It is a reflection of a shared bond over a character that has become synonymous with adventure, resilience, and the enduring appeal ofDoctor Who. Tennant’s embodiment of the Doctor has transcended the show, making him a beloved figure in the sci-fi community and an influential figure in Gatwa’s career.
With Gatwa leading the way, the show embarks on an exciting new era, sparking curiosity and excitement. While Tennant’s departure in “The Giggle” will undoubtedly be a poignant moment, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. Gatwa is poised to build upon Tennant’s legacy, bringing his own unique flair to the timeless role of the Doctor. Gatwa’s journey mirrors the timeless allure ofDoctor Who, a series known for captivating and inspiring audiences of all ages.
