When Peter Calpadi steps in for Matt Smith come Christmas time, we will be seeing the twelfth version of our favorite Time Lord. The Doctor's ability to regenerate has allowed us to see our favorite character develop over fifty long years - something not many characters get the chance to do. The idea of regeneration was a genius one, not just because the show is now seeing its fifty year anniversary, but because we've been able to see so many talented actors as the Doctor. However, for every actor cast as the Doctor, there were several who were turned down. Among those actors are many we wished we could've seen inside the Tardis, but there's just as many we couldn't be happier to see didn't get the part. Doctor Who owes its long tenure to the fans, but one wrong casting-call could have ended the show in a heartbeat. The list is all over the place, but here are ten actors we are especially glad didn't get to play the Doctor.
10. Rowan Atkinson
The slapstick comedian is well known for his portrayal of Mr. Bean, but what few people realize is that he has also appeared on screen as the Doctor - albeit for satire. Atkinson starred in the four-episode parody Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death for a 1999 charity event in the UK. But before his Whovian debut, Atkinson auditioned for the role of the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 movie that ultimately went to Paul McGann. At this point the Doctor is well known for his quirkiness, and Atkinson's Doctor would have had plenty to offer. His Mr. Bean-like charm could throw even the most suspecting villains off. Think David Tennant in "The Family of Blood" pretending to be a bumbling Mr. Smith in order to press the right buttons to destroy the ship, except Atkinson wouldn't be pretending and any destruction would be an accident. Atkinson would lack the decision-making and willingness to take control that makes the Doctor who he is. His incarnation would be passive like Peter Davidson's and his proneness to be accidents means his companions would be constantly looking after him. I get the need to show that the Doctor's not always in control, but that's not a position we want to see the Doctor in too often.