Batman v Superman v Doctor Who: 10 Heroic Connections
10. William Russell - Ian Chesterton/8th Elder
Though he's legendary to Whovians worldwide for his portrayal of teacher and original companion Ian Chesterton, William Russell also took part in action across the cosmos as part of the Superman film franchise. As Marlon Brando's Super Dad Jor-El was trying to get the fusty councillors of Krypton to see sense over the imminent destruction of their planet, Russell popped up as an Elder in 1978's Superman: The Movie. It wasn't a big role and mainly required the British telefantasy icon to stand around in a white PVC tunic, but the high-profile blockbuster did sterling work getting the actor's face on the big screen. It also meant Russell had the dual honour of working with Brando and William Hartnell, two notoriously temperamental figures, both playing otherworldly scientists in wigs.
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
