David Tennant has addressed the criticism Ncuti Gatwa has faced for taking on the role of the Doctor in the BBC’s sci-fi series Doctor Who.
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Ncuti Gatwa has been strongly defended by former Doctor Who star David Tennant amid the backlash he and others have faced for their roles in the beloved series. David, who portrayed the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 and returned as the 14th Doctor in 2023, hasn’t held back in calling out critics who target actors chosen for the iconic BBC role.
According to BelfastLive, every actor who has taken on the role of the Time Lord has faced criticism, including David Tennant, who was met with doubt at first before his performance won over fans and became one of the most iconic portrayals. However, the rise of social media has led to even harsher and more persistent criticism for those who have followed in his footsteps.
In an interview with The Guardian, David Tennant spoke about his lasting impact on Doctor Who and firmly shut down any rumours of him replacing Ncuti Gatwa. When asked if he feels protective of the actors who followed him in the role—particularly Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti—David replied:
These debates – and it’s not even a debate, it’s a small clutch of people shouting very loudly, amplified by certain elements of the press – are not reflective of what most people feel. Things become ludicrously disproportionate, and end up being unnecessarily cruel.
David has also been outspoken on other important topics. He’s been a vocal supporter of the trans community, pushing back against recent waves of hostility directed at them.
That’s what the trans debate seems to have become. Most people don’t give a s***. I genuinely believe most people just want to let people be themselves. All they’re doing is making a tiny portion of society who have a really tough time anyway have an even tougher time.”
He said
Ncuti Gatwa was originally scheduled to be the UK’s spokesperson for Eurovision but has since been replaced by Sophie Ellis-Bextor after pulling out “due to unforeseen circumstances.” Ahead of the new season, Ncuti spoke with the Big Issue about the show’s connection to real-world themes.
He told the magazine:
Doctor Who works so well and has done for so many years because it is reflective of the problems we face in our time and potentially in our future. That’s part of what attracted me to the show in the first place. Russell (series creator Russell T Davies) is very politically and socially aware and has always infused the scripts with that. It is the nature of the show to be a soundboard to life around us.
Alongside the entertainment, we are tackling the big talking points in society. This show is a beacon of learning and exploration. I’m really happy and proud to be part of a show that talks about these big issues. And it is done with such compassion to all parties.
He added
Source: Express.co.uk