BBC en BBC America hebben vandaag aangekondigd dat Jodie Whittaker de 13de Doctor zal spelen in Doctor Who! Ze zal de rol overnemen van Peter Capaldi, wie tijdens Kerst de serie zal verlaten. Voor Capaldi en Whittaker waren er drie andere acteurs die de rol van de Doctor speelden sinds de serie in 2006 een reboot kreeg: Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant en Matt Smith. De nieuwe schrijver en uitvoerend producent Chris Chibnall maakte de beslissing om de eerste vrouw te casten in de rol.
Whittaker kennen we van films als St Trinian’s, Good, St Trinian’s 2 en Attack the Block. Tevens was ze te zien in series als Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Wired, Return to Cranford, Marchlands, Black Mirror, Broadchurch, The Assets en Trust Me.
Jodie Whittaker zei:
“I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honor to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.”
Chris Chibnall voegde toe:
“After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”
Peter Capaldi zei:
“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. She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor.”
Sarah Barnett, President van BBC America zei:
“The fact that there was so much interest in, quite literally, ‘Who?’ speaks volumes about the enduring power of the Doctor Who franchise around the world and for BBC America viewers. We couldn’t be happier to welcome the remarkable Jodie Whittaker as a history making Thirteenth Doctor and look forward to the continuation of this story.”
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content:
“Making history is what Doctor Who is all about and Chris Chibnall’s bold new take on the next Time Lord is exactly that. The nation is going to fall in love with Jodie Whittaker – and have lots of fun too!”
Piers Wenger, Controller BBC Drama:
“Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.”
Matt Strevens, Executive Producer zei:
“I’m so thrilled that Jodie Whittaker said yes to playing the Doctor. I’ve been a fan for years and always hoped to work with her. She is an actor of great emotional range and inhabits every role with complete passion and conviction. Just thinking about what she will bring to the Doctor makes me as excited as a kid at Christmas. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
