The Thirteenth Doctor will see you now. After more than five decades, beloved British sci-fi television show “Doctor Who” has cast a woman in the iconic role of the Doctor.
Jodie Whittaker will be playing the time-traveling alien adventurer in the next series of “Doctor Who” after Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi leaves the worldwide hit show. Capaldi will hand over the sonic screwdriver—so to speak—to Whittaker on the special Christmas episode in December.
In a statement published by the BBC, Whittaker said of playing the first female incarnation of the Doctor: “It feels completely overwhelming; as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves and not be boxed in by what you’re told you can and can’t be. It feels incredible.”
Whittaker, who previously starred in “Broadchurch” and “Black Mirror,” also said the fans should “not be scared by my gender,” an obvious reference to the fact that since the show’s premiere in 1963, the titular Doctor had been played by a man.
“This is a really exciting time, and ‘Doctor Who’ represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one,” she added.
The decision to cast a female actor for the role shouldn’t be a surprise. In fact, it shouldn’t be an issue to begin with. As most netizens pointed out, the Doctor is a Time Lord, a being from an ancient alien race that regenerates and transforms into various forms, including that of a human woman (remember Missy?).
Even the show’s cocreator, Sydney Newman, wanted to cast a woman for the role back in 1986. According to a 2010 report published by The Telegraph, Newman penned a letter stating: “At a later stage, Doctor Who should be metamorphosed into a woman.”
Good thing loyal fans drowned out the trolls and celebrated this change, saying it’s “about time,” “absolutely brilliant” and “empowering.” Posts by fans of all ages and genders getting excited over the new Doctor were all over social media.
More than one tweeted that having Whittaker play the Doctor would be inspiring for girls and young women everywhere. One of the best reactions was of a young girl who was caught on video literally screaming and jumping for joy when the news was revealed.
Actors who played the former incarnations of the Doctor—Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Capaldi— welcomed Whittaker into the fold. Capaldi, in a statement with the BBC, said Whittaker would be “fantastic” for the role. “Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has, above all, the huge heart to play this most special part,” he said.
But like most progressive casting news, the revelation of the new Doctor, which hit the internet on July 16, had its share of detractors.
Naysayers on social media whined that the show is “ruined,” “over” and “dead,” and blamed the “political correctness agenda” and feminists for the casting development. Others argued that the Doctor was traditionally played by a man and should stay that way. Some wouldn’t even give Whittaker a chance and said outright that they’re going to stop watching the show.
The rampant misogyny is bewildering at best and disgusting at worst. If these “fans” are leaving the “Doctor Who” fandom because of this news—well, good riddance!
In case they missed it: It’s 2017, time stop fixating on a fictional alien’s genitalia.
“We are the most civilized civilization in the universe,” the Doctor said in the penultimate episode of Series 10, explaining the Time Lords’ gender fluidity. “We’re billions of years beyond your petty human obsession with gender and its associated stereotypes.”
Petty, indeed.
