Former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi has weighed in on the online backlash faced by his successors Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa, dismissing claims that the show has become too politically correct.
Capaldi Defends Successors
The Scottish actor, 68, who played the Twelfth Doctor from 2014 to 2017, was succeeded by Whittaker, the first female Doctor, and later by Gatwa, the first Black actor to lead the series. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Capaldi rejected suggestions that the show had succumbed to what the publication described as 'excessive wokeness.'
'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,' Capaldi said. He added, 'When I was a kid and watched it, it was just a monster show in the corner of the room. I dunno why people take it so seriously.'
Whittaker's Reflections
In 2023, Whittaker told The Independent that taking the role was 'a no brainer,' despite her initial reluctance to become well-known. She argued that a woman should have been cast earlier, stating, 'I’m the 13th – I mean, it should have been the seventh. You know, at some point it should have come earlier – but it didn’t. And so for it to be me, I’m forever riddled with pride.' She also addressed the question of playing the Doctor as a woman, saying, 'You don’t think about being a woman, do ya? I mean, I just don’t walk around in that sense.'
Whittaker portrayed the Doctor from 2017 to 2022, with Gatwa taking over from 2023 to 2025.
Gatwa's Experience
After leaving the show, Gatwa revealed the physical and mental toll of the role. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he said, 'I’m getting old, and my body was tired… and I’ve now just started doing some ballet, so I’m making really great decisions.' He described the job as 'the most amazing job in the world' but acknowledged its strenuous nature: 'It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.' When asked about a potential return, he replied, 'Never say never.'
During Gatwa’s final episode, the Doctor regenerated and appeared to be replaced by former companion Billie Piper.
