Peter Capaldi, who portrayed the Twelfth Doctor in “Doctor Who” from 2013 to 2017, recently shared with The Times of London that he is puzzled by the intense seriousness with which some people regard the show, especially in light of the criticism over the casting of Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa. Whittaker was the first woman to take on the role of the Doctor, while Gatwa was the first openly queer Black actor to do so.
Capaldi remarked, “It reflects its times and it’s a good thing in the world, though it’s become a bit too big, too important for the BBC or whoever. When I was a kid and watched it, it was just a monster show in the corner of the room. I don’t know why people take it so seriously.”
Ncuti Gatwa, who appeared in the latest “Doctor Who” season, faced online racist and homophobic backlash following the announcement of his casting. Showrunner and writer Russell T Davies, during a masterclass at Series Mania, highlighted the ease with which one can “fall into the trap of talking about fans and assuming that means the online voice” in today’s social media age.
Davies emphasized, “I think they are different things. I know they’re different things, I absolutely know that. And that online voice, which is hostile, exists on X, which is a hate site. We shouldn’t be surprised to find hatred on it, because it’s a hate site… It’s very dangerously assumed that that is the fan voice.”
He further stated that while long-time “Doctor Who” fans don’t necessarily have to enjoy the show, he hopes they can engage in respectful disagreements.
“Fandom is creative and brilliant and fun, but it’s all getting soured,” Davies continued. “Turn those phones off for anyone under 16, chuck them in the bin. I literally am evangelical about it.”
In October 2025, Disney+ ended its collaboration with the BBC after co-producing two seasons of “Doctor Who.” The latest season finale marked Gatwa’s departure from the series, paving the way for Billie Piper’s return. Piper, who played Rose Tyler during David Tennant’s era in the early 2000s, is set to rejoin, though it is unclear if she will assume the role of the Doctor or reprise her part as a companion.
