Doctor Who: 10 (More) Actors Who Could Replace Jenna Coleman
4. Iain De Caestecker
Why he should be: Speaking of the Fades, Kaluuya wasnt the only good actor in that show. Iain De Caesteker played the lead role of Paul, a slightly nerdy high school student struggling with his fate. Hes since moved on to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, playing Leo Fitz, a slightly nerdy scientist now struggling with losing his abilities. Those sound really similar but De Caestecker plays them so differently from each other, suggesting he has the range and skill to bring something completely new to the role of companion. He can play prickly, dark, clever, likeable - all attributes that can contribute to a riveting relationship with Capaldi. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D should also mean that he has experience of entering a really enthusiastic fandom, which will help any performer entering the world of Doctor Who as theyll be able to interact well with the huge fanbase that Who has. It also means hell be able to make all the ridiculous set pieces and creatures that pop up in Who feel believable as hes been in that sort of environment previously. Why he shouldnt be: Hes still very busy with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, recent episodes of which have implied that hes going to have an arc that is at the very least a key subplot this season. That would prevent him from making the shift to the intensive schedule of Who, as he wont be physically able to do both. Especially since they tend to film in different countries. Theres also a potential problem with the initial impact that a companion needs to make. Claras initial lack of a well-developed character (after last-minute changes) set some people against her for life and, while Fitz seems to be well liked now, at the start of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D a lot of the complaints suggested that he and Simmons were annoying. This creates questions over how quickly De Caestecker will be able to endear himself to the fans. If he didn't get off to a great start, there could be problems further down the line.
