As sure as the tides and the changing of the seasons, sooner or later there will be a new incarnation of the Doctor taking the controls of the TARDIS. And it’s that time again. A new Doctor is coming, this time played by ‘Broadchurch’ and ‘Attack the Block’ star Jodie Whittaker. And as always, the question is just what the new Doctor will be like.
While each actor to play the Doctor is in the strictest sense playing the same character, different traits are emphasized in each incarnation. Some, for example, are more prickly and standoffish, while others exude an almost manic ebullience. So where does Whittaker fall on that spectrum? Based on the description that showrunner Chris Chibnall offered to Entertainment Weekly, she seems to be favoring the latter end of the spectrum:
“She’s incredibly lively, she’s funny, she’s warm, she’s inclusive, she’s energetic. She’s the greatest friend you’d ever want to have as your guide around the universe.”
As for Whittaker herself, the actress sums up her version of the legendary Time Lord as “hopeful and fizzling with wonder,” adding that:
“I have absolutely shot myself in the foot for any ADR, because I get in there, and realize I speak at a hundred miles an hour. If a plane goes over I’m like, “Are you kidding?” I’ve got to try and match that speech of “Di-didda-di-didda-di-didda”?”
Along those same, rapid fire lines, costar Mandip Gill (who plays new companion Yasmin) similarly remarked on the energy of Whittaker’s portrayal, drawing a comparison to a past version of the character:
“She has a similar energy to Matt Smith’s Doctor. Very high energy. Jodie has that about her Doctor.
Be sure to check back with ScienceFiction.com for more on the upcoming season of ‘Doctor Who’ as it becomes available!
‘Doctor Who’ will return later this year for its eleventh season. This season will see the arrival of new showrunner Chris Chibnall and the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker. In addition to Whittaker, the new season will star Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gil.
