First of all Don’t Panic! You haven’t missed any announcements, Matt Smith hasn’t announced any imminent departure as our current Timelord, however with the news that he is to star in a new film written and directed by Ryan Gosling, speculation is mounting.
Fans are putting two and two together and making all sorts of numbers as they speculate that after the anniversary episode in November this year and maybe the Christmas special, Matt Smith may hang up his sonic screwdriver and leave the TARDIS vacant once more.
Even if this is all totally unfounded there must be a time when we do get a twelfth Doctor so it seems as good a time as any to wonder who might take over as the nation’s favourite Time Lord.
6. David Duchovny
Maybe it’s time for an American to play the Doctor? David Duchovny was interviewed in 2008 at which point he mentioned that he had no interest in taking over from David Tennant but was a fan of Doctor Who. He expressed some interest in the idea of playing a villain in the show.
It’s now a few years later and ten years since David played Fox Mulder in the X-Files tv show; given his experience in defeating the alien menace it seems to me that it still worth considering him as a possible candidate for the TARDIS key. The one drawback may be that he spends all his time looking for missing relatives but he is used to working with a companion though Dana Scully may have her own views as to who is in charge!
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78 Comments
What about Idris Elba? His name has been tossed around occasionally and in general Idris Elba should play everything
I know Idris Elba from Luther so i never seen he as The Doctor. But the guy is relly good so…
Idris Elba should play everything!
Ciliian Murphy is a good idea too.
Agreed Mary. I’ve been saying this for a year now. Idris as a more reserved version of the Doctor would be awesome.
I would love to see either Idris Elba or Chitwel Ejifor as the next Doctor. However the reality is you need an upcoming actor to play the Doctor nowadays, and those two and Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Radcliffe have started to make their careers in mainstream movies. Benedict Cumberbatch has gone on record to say he would stay on for Sherlock for the rest of his career, but unfortunately I think asking him to be both Sherlock and The Doctor would be a bit of a stretch.
There is however one actor from Sherlock who I think could make a very very good Doctor. A guy who can do darkness and probably do a bit of a lighter side. Andrew Scott-who played Jim Moriaty. I think personally he’d do an absolute cracking job at it!
OMG YESSSSSS!!! im so happy im not the only one who thinks andrew scott would be perfect as the doctor!!! plus hes hot <3 lol
I gotta say, for a twelfth Doctor list this is pretty tame and uninspired. The biggest snub of course being the already mentioned Idris Elba, who’s always being bandied about as a future Doctor.
No mention of a possible Female Doctor either.
Also if you’re gonna cast an American to play the Doctor, dream big. The only way the Brittish public would accept an American Doctor is if he was this massively A-List actor. Morgan Freeman anyone? Robert Downey Jr.?
Go away. It’s a good article.
There won’t be a female doctor. There just won’t.
Morgan Freeman? Really?
I would like to see Idris Elba though. Good article nonetheless
I too would love to see a female doctor — it has been talked about for generations now, and has only been part of a spoof. Other Gallifreyans has switched gender, something that was talked about specifically in The Doctor’s Wife…
The doctor should not, and never will be a woman, He’s a man, he’s always been a man, to change that would not only make him a transgender character, but an unwilling transgender character, and it would change too much of the character, yes he changes, but he’s always the same man on the inside. and the idea of a gender change during regeneration was mentioned LAST YEAR, it is hardly a founding principle, it’s a gimmick added to stir things up.
Idris Elba would be great but he is currently becoming a huge success in hollywood
why not someone like Cillian Murphey?, Rupert Penry Jones?, Anthony Head Stewart?
Idris would be brilliant Cillian Murphy is a good shout as well. I think Duchovny is a very interesting idea though, as an X-Files fan I think that would blow my tiny little mind :)
Anthony Head Stewart couldn’t be the Doctor, he was the main villan in “School Reunion” in the second season! To have him come back as the Doctor would be…. weird.
But otherwise yeah, he would make a good Doctor
Bill Cobbs.
I seriously doubt they’d cast an American to be honest, the show is too rooted in the UK. I could see Daniel Radcliffe, but not for a couple of years, may become it one day but I couldn’t imagine him as the next one. Idris Elba is a good shout, but he may be too old at 40. Personally I could really see Benedict Cumberbatch as the next doctor. I’d love to see Christopher Ecclestone come back, but unfortunately that’s never going to happen.
How is 40 too old? The first actor to play the role was in his 60s.
To whom it may concern,
I would like to take this moment to personally lobby for myself as the twelfth reincarnation of the doctor. No, I am never acted a day in my life and yes, I am an elementary band teacher in the state of Utah. But just think how brilliant it would be for me! First of all I could totally use the money. Secondly, isn’t it time that we had a band director from Utah? I’ve also always wanted to visit London. For these reasons, and because I would only charge them $58,642 to play the role, I am pleased to announce that I will be the next doctor who. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Mr. J
Jeremy, the BBC can’t afford you. :-)
Frankly I struggle to picture all of those as the Doctor in a long-term manner.
I think Ben Whishaw would be rather perfect.
I’ll wait til there’s an official statement from Matt Smith himself. As the Beeb said he is taking advantage of the filming break something he has done before. David Tennant also did the same so why can’t Matt Smith?
Here’s my three picks for the 12th Doctor:
1.) James Callis
2.) Hugh Laurie
3.) Cillian Murphy
Terrible list (well, most of it anyway).
What about Colin Morgan, the guy who was playing Merlin until recently.
He’s got what it takes to be young and old at the same time, he’s British and clearly he can be both funny and serious. He’s also not quite so dweebish or well-known as Daniel Radcliffe.
Is he leaving? YES!!!!!
Eddie Izzard
Kris Marshall
Tom Hiddleston
why not a woman doctor? Mira Furlan i think would
make a perfect doctor who
One quick question: what the hell are Dalakes? If you’re gonna do a list about Dr Who and not even spell the name of his most famous enemy correctly then don’t even bother, you moron.
Definitely David Morrissey.
Fun read! And now that we know Smith isn’t leaving for at least a year or two…
Duchovney: As long as the BBC control Who, he’ll not be a yank. This even affected the TV movie, and Fox had 50% say.
Radcliffe: Has publicly said he’s not interested.
Cumberbatch: He’s great and all, but wouldn’t he be so much better as a villain? And after the Moffat-penned “Sherlock”, I can’t see him jumping to a similar ship.
Morrissey: SO unlikely. Loved him in the role, but that ship’s probably sailed.
Wheaton: Uh….Um…Well, he’s a fan. I’ll do the whole “If you can’t say something nice” thing here.
Fox: Can’t see it. And as a more recognizeable name….just don’t see it.
BUT – I’d love to see any of these guest on the show. Even Wheaton.
How about Tommy Wiseau?
He looks and sounds so alien.
I have five suggestions, all reasonably realistic and indeed numbers 1-3 have all said that they would be interested in the role of the Doctor in principle!
1. Julian Rhind-Tutt
2. Kris Marshall
3. Darren Boyd
4. Paul Nicholls
5. Paul Bradley
Google them if you need to – very good actors one and all!
If Matt Smith wants a break, put in Paul McGann for a season or two. Who says these stories need to be told in chronological order? Then regenerate him into Chris. Give Chris a couple more episodes before jumping back to Matt.
That damn comment above is just perfect. PERFECT IDEA. I would LOVE to see Paul McGann and Christopher Eccleston again.
But personally, I’d really vote and root for Tom Hiddleston. He’s proved himself worth it. Gosh, that man’s acting? JUST ASKFSDNLFKANSDFL. You can just picture him as that reserved, Valeyard-inspired Twelfth Doctor. UGH. I really want Tom.
1.Ioan Gruffudd
2.Hugh Grant
3.Colin Furth
4.Matthew Macfadyen
5.Wil Wheaton
6.Johnny Depp
I’ve had two different actors on my wish list since Doctor Who came back in 2005. Alexander Siddig & James Scott.
Definitely a new doctor! Matt Smith has long overstayed his visit!
NO HE HASN’T!!!!!!!!
WHERE IS TOM HIDDLESTON???? In my mind, he’s the only possible choice. But I have to admit that McGann/Chris Eccleston idea is genius.
What about Hugh Laurie?
Here’s my three picks for the 12th Doctor:
1.) Hugh Laurie – All day long.
2.) Daniel Radcliffe – Give him a go.
3.) Henry Cavill – If anything he would be the most handsome doctor in history
Runner up:
Joseph Morgan – Finally a ginger!
I really want Danail R to play the Doctor or Bennadict C! But I heard Ben is going to play the Master in the reunion!? But Why couldn’t you ninies ask Tom Hiddleston! He would make a great Doctor!
Andrew Lincoln anyone?
What If…and hear me out guys…what if…They cast Ryan Gosling , Or Idris Elba.
Jason Flemyng.
I think Tom Hiddleston would be a good choice
This is the most pathetic and insulting list of potential Doctors I have ever seen. Gee, why not just hire Robert Downey Jr.? or maybe Tom Cruise? maybe Lady friggin’ Gaga?
Gimme a fkn break.
6) Like hell the next Doctor will be an American.
5) Solid choice. Not necessarily ideal, but I wouldn’t complain
4) I have nothing against the man personally, but he’s got leading roles in 3 blockbuster franchises already. (Sherlock, The Hobbit, and the new Star Trek movie). Enough of him, please.
3) A bit old perhaps, but probably the best choice on the entire list.
2) See #6
1) I don’t know much about this guy, but from what I saw browsing his Wikipedia page just now, I’d be willing to give him a shot.
Actually Robert Downey Jr would be the perfect choice along with Johnny Depp. But I can’t see them taking the role. I can totally see Iron Man as The Doctor.
BOLD PREDICTION: The 12th Doctor will be (and is already) played by Jenna-Louise Coleman
I was thinking the same thing. I think it would be a terrible idea, don’t get me wrong, Jenna-Louise Coleman is a great actress (and absolutely gorgeous) but her character would be annoying if she was the Doctor.
Benedict as the Doctor could be really interesting. From a cynic and cold consultant into an unpredictable time traveler. Brilliant!
Speaking of Sherlock, how ’bout the actor of Jim Moriarty, Andrew Scott? I think he could have the potential for this role. He was pretty amazing as Moriarty.
why not tennent a rollback regenaration something makes him regenarate back into tennent with a im back after lol
if david tennent was intrested that is
The 12th doctor should either be Jackie Chan or Bill Cosby.
holy crap
my sides
Jamie Bamber?
None of the above! Most of them have already appeared in Hollywood movies and Doctor Who would be a step down as the show now tends to be one big audition for Hollywood. The next Doctor will most definitely not be a big or even moderate name in television, HE will be a new and upcoming BBC jobbing actor, one who has a certain charisma, a lot of talent or shows an exceptional amount of promise.
Why?
Because the BBC will have to pay him thats why! and in their view the less they have to pay the better!!
If they can’t bring Tennant back, I would like to see James Callis as the Doctor. However, if they did go american, I think Zachary Levi would make an awesome Doctor.
Alan Davies…….he would make a great Doctor. He’s quirky and has that air of mystery about him.
Sorry, but the Doctor could never be an American. I’m saying that as an American. I’d love Helena Bonham Carter to be the next Doctor.
Well the Doctor is always wanting to be Ginger, what about Rupert Grint?
would be genius, but just wait a few years so he has a more grown up presence to him.
I can see Chitwel Ejifor as the 12th doctor. He have the skills but what about Nathan Fillion from Firefly? or François Arnaud from the Borgias. The both do dark and broody really well but they both seem to have a sense of humour. To make things really interesting, Peter Dinklage would definately spice things up. He’s got the acting skills for it.
Oh yeah, Definitely not Daniel Radcliff. If he’s cast then I would never forgive Steven Moffat. Rupert Grint is a way better choice than Daniel. I’d love to see Benedict Cumberbach as the doctor but I won’t compromise for a couple of specials a year and I’m pretty sure lots of other fans shares my opinion. Just remembered, what about Gary Oldman? He’s definately very versatile.
Richard Ayoade, ‘nough said.
If I may say so myself this whole list is total crap, none of these guys have the skills to be the next doctor, I’ve got a list and I will be sending it out in a few days.
I look forward to reading it!
okay, we all know the doctors from the old days, but things have changed – and currently there are 4 criteria’s that must be met for the 21st century doc’s:
1. Looks. Only hardcore doctor fans will watch a 70 old hippy play the doctor.
2. Funny. I don’t think a seriously seeming actor (see 4) like hugh laurie will go over well.
3. Charm. Even the guys (me) don’t like dull emotionless characters.
4. And lastly, he can’t be well known. I suppose that rule could be bent but… The issue is is that blockbuster actors have a predefined personality about them. hugh laurie would be great if we haven’t heard of him from House, as a cynical jerk type character – and we would like, end up comparing the 2 personalities and that…well, would end badly. Like, Who ever heard of David Tennant, Matt Smith, befor DH?
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Personally such an exception might be Rupert Grint, his ‘charming’ attitude, non perfect-ness, and I guess some ‘looks’(?) but I suppose the problem with him is from 1 hes 10 years too young. I still think of him as the little kid from from first Harry Potter. And well, obviously we all know him.
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BTW – not to be racist or anything… I dont think a black/girl doctor who is very possible. And theres a dangerous chance that it wont go over well with viewers – BBC doesn’t wanna take that chance.
I mean, this is like, the longest running sc-fi show ever right?
I disagree – there are a LOT of people jockeying Idris Elba’s name around, not all of them people of colour. I think we’re past the point where the vast majority of Brits care if the Doctor is white or black, they just want good telly.
I like all theses choices but how about Gregg Sulkin he’s a goood english actor and would make an amazing Timelord :)
Not sure about Gregg. I met Alexander Vlahos recently and I imagine he could be a good Doctor though he might prefer the part of the Master!
I think that Eddie Redmayne would be an amazing 12th doctor! If you don’t know who that is, he was Les Miserables as Marius Pontmercy. He has also been in many other movies. I always thought if him as “the doctor type”. He is super hot and he is an amazing actor! I hope that if there is going to be a new doctor in the near future, I definitely think it should be him. Oh plus he is British!!!
He might be a decent doctor, but I personally think that if they cast any actor from Les Miserables, it should be Killian Donnelly. He’s funny, but he can play serious roles really well. He was awesome as Combeferre in the Les Mis movie, and he’s been great as pretty much every character he’s played in the stage show (Courfeyrac, Enjolras, Valjean, and Javert). As far as I know, Les Miserables is the only film he’s been in, but he is a fairly well known stage actor, so he wouldn’t be too well-known, but not too unheard of either.
An American could never play the doctor, he has to be British. Id like to see an Irish doctor but a trans-atlantic doctor? Im afraid it would never happen. Will Wheaton would never ever ever ever ever get the roll that was a ridiculous choice, I cant think of a worse actor to get the roll. Daniel Radcliffe is far to typecast as Harry Potter and he doesnt have the energy or the voice to be the doctor. Bennedict Cumberbatch would make an excellent doctor, however I think being both Sherlock and the doctor in one lifetime would make him implode from awesomeness so I think they might choose another unknown, kind of like Matt Smith was before he became the Doctor.
After searching the people posted about, I came to a few conclusions. Rupert Penry Jones, Andrew Scott, and Tom Hiddleston would be better as The Master; Tom Hiddleston is officially going to be in at least 2 episodes of Doctor Who though. Most of the people said weren’t right for the part in a few aspects. Cillian Murphy would have been a good choice if you wanted a David Tennant-Matt Smith fusion look for The Doctor, but I think his face (such as the cheek bone area) isn’t quite right for the part. David Duchany and Daniel Radcliffe are the only choices shown that had the possibility of being The Doctor; the only problems with that are that David Duchany only looks kind-of right for the part in the provided picture, and Daniel Radcliffe, although fine for the part, is too well known for his H.P. character to be thought of differently probably. The only answer then is that the one to play the 12th Doctor will be someone new or not thought of by any of us, and it most likely won’t be someone of different gender/color since viewers are used to how he has been in his many forms. Clara isn’t The Doctor, she is most likely Jenny (his daughter), a descendant of Jack Harkness(or whoever it was that became the Face of Bo) since the Doctor has called him “impossible”, a descendant of Susan (The Doctor’s humanish gallifreyan granddaughter), or Clara Oswin Oswald could someone we don’t know at all (of course).
i would love to see Daniel Racleif as the doctor!! that would be so awesome!
How About Tony Curran he seems to be an exceptional actor and he’s ginger. He may have been on the show before but all the better I say.
Sorry but I don’t think the next Doctor could be american. I would really like to see Daniel Radcliffe as the next doctor though and I think he would do the best out of all of them. He will also be alot younger than Matt Smith
Lawernce yes, if they bring back Rose too. Why not Ben Cross? I love his deep voice and with the 13th Doctor supposed to have something go wrong with his regeneration to create the Valeyard, the man would be perfect when time to transition from 12th to 13th. If we go HP, then I vote for Severus or Lucius — love the bad boys and the voices do something for many women (me included).
What a stupid list. A third of them are Americans. Americans aren’t even allowed to write for that show because it’s distinctly British. Harry Potter is too bloody rich to take on this kind of commitment. The minor role C. Baker played isn’t at all on the scale of Morrissey’s important “The Next Doctor” part, a deliberate fake-out (even though I think he’d make a great Doctor and would love to see them go that direction with the part). No, this is just a goofy, wildly unrealistic list.
James roday. We need an american doctor who
I clicked on this article, saw a picture of David Duchovny, had a good laugh and couldn’t finish the article. Duchovny? Seriously? What would he do the first time he encounters a Dalik and he doesn’t have Agent Scully at his side?
And for God’s sake, NO AMERICAN DOCTORS! It just wouldn’t make sense. I mean, I’m all for Dr. Who being completely out of the box with time and space, but a Doctor without a British accent is way outside the paradigm of normal and acceptable.