In terms of calibre, you couldnt ask for better. Ive even seen a Morgan Freeman for the Doctor Facebook page but despite being quite possibly my favourite actor, I cant see it. Theyve all been rumoured for the very same reason. They have that gravitas and authority you want from the role of the Doctor. With Ian McKellan, people want Gandalf flying the Tardis, battling Daleks and the Orcs of Mordor. Helen Mirren also fills the Doctor could regenerate into a woman role basically the Queen with the attitude and wits of Helen Mirrens character Victoria from Red. But I cant, in a million years, see either of them committing to a minimum two years filled with night shoots. Shes 67. Ian is 74. Im not being ageist but both David Tennant and Matt Smith have commented on the toil the show takes on them. Still, its not to say someone in their 60s couldnt play the Doctor. But these two highly paid, Oscar nominated/winning actorsnot a chance The same goes for Jonny Depp and any other big Hollywood name in the running for the part. Though according to William Hill, Tom Cruise is 250-1 to succeed. Is there any truth to that? No.