Doctor Who series 7 is not due to resume until April, which is just plain depressing. But while we wait for the return of everyone’s favourite time travelling alien we can have some fun. Matt Smith will be with us until at least 2014, but I have been thinking about future Doctors, and who might play them. Here are my Top 5 suggestions (in no particular order) for actors to play Doctor Who.
Colin Firth. This was Kirsty’s suggestion actually. And only because she has a not-so-secret crush on Mr Darcy. But I can actually see Colin Firth as The Doctor, a somewhat bumbling, stuttering good natured take, much like Firth’s character in Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Benedict Cumberbatch. The star of the very good TV series Sherlock, Cumberbatch has the quirky looks, and intense nature of the Doctor. In fact, I think his interpretation of Sherlock was very Doctor Who like, which might have had a fair bit to do with Steven Moffat being a big part of both series.
Jamie Bell. You might remember him from the titular role of Billy Elliot, the boy ballerina. He’s in his twenties now and done a few films, but I could see him portraying everybody’s favourite time lord. There is something about him that reminds me a bit of David Tennant (don’t hate on me Tennant-lovers!).
Eddie Izzard. An older and edgier time lord, that might be a little too racy for Doctor Who‘s primetime slot. But Eddie Izzard would certainly make for a fresh take on the Doctor!
Chris O’Dowd. You might know O’Dowd from The IT Crowd, or the film The Sapphires. He looks a bit “goofy” but is very funny and quite a good actor. I think he could well bring something fresh to the role.
The Doctor has been pretty young and hip in recent years with an increasing number of romance story lines, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see future Doctors going the same way. But I grew up in a world where the Doctor was a distinguished older gentleman, someone you could easily look up to and respect, and I would love to see a return to this.
Actors that almost made the list – Rowan Atkins, Anthony Head (Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Hugh Laurie, and James MacAvoy. Actors that were nowhere near my list – Hugh Grant, Sean Bean, Jeremy Clarkson and anyone who has ever played James Bond!
Do you have a suggestion for a future Doctor? Who do you think would make a good time lord?
I’m glad you included my suggestion of Colin Firth – it will never happen but I could see him in the role. I think an old doctor would be cool – imagine someone like Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen or Michael Gambon in the role – they could have a lot of fun with all the sci-fi/fantasy sagas they already represent!
I don’t watch Dr Who, but my dad did when I was a kid! I did love the old quirky original Dr Who! From IBOT
This made me laugh Nathan, every time a new DR is introduced, my husband is all up in arms. Then he gets used to the new recruit, and it all happens again. I’m with Kirsty on Colin, but would love to see Chris O’Dowd, I love him and his IT crew. I could also see Anthony, as Giles was my favourite character on Buffy.
Thanks for this little trip into geekdom 🙂
The Dr I remember from my childhood was the one at bottom left. I used to be so scared of some episodes I’d hide behind the lounge.
The one on the bottom left is Tom baker, possibly my favourite Doctor Who. This no doubt has a lot to do with him being the longest “serving” Doctor Who, from the mid 70’s to early 80’s, right when I was glued to the telly!
I have never been a big Dr fan (I know, shock horror ;))but I think Bernard Cumberbatch would be perfect. It would be interesting to see if they would ever consider an actor of Indian, Pakistani or Jamaican descent….being the ever so politically correct BBC….
I actually have no real interest in Dr Who TBH. Please don’t hate me! 🙂
To me its always my dads show.
But I’m gonna vote for Anthony Stewart Head, just because I loved Giles
I won’t hate you! 🙂 Anthony Stewart Head is, I think, a good choice. He was once rumoured to be the “next” Doctor (before Matt Smith), and has actually appeared in the series as a DNA sucking vampire!
I’m with Kirsty – Colin Firth – she has great taste 🙂
Nathan – we have some kind of eerie psychic connection going on here. Back before Christmas I blogged on the very same topic. Co-incidently – we share one suggestion- James McEvoy. My all time favorite is Tom Baker. Its all in the eyes.
Anyways if you are at all interested – http://mum-abulous.com/2012/12/16/whos-who/
Please don’t think me strange but Dr Who ?? I have no idea who Dr Who is to start with so am figuring anyone you suggest will probably be good EXCEPT if it is anything serious I don’t think Rowan Atkinson will pass the test because I can only ever see him as Mr Bean !!
Have a great week !
Me
Yep, Chris O’Dowd. Love that man, and he would make an awesome doctor. Did you see “Moone Boy”? I think it was may favourite sitcom of the year. Actually, Moone Boy junior will make a great Dr Who when he reaches his 20s.
I haven’t seen Moone Boy. I will have to investigate!
Colin could play anyone, Doctor or otherwise, any day of the week! Full stop.
Eddie Izzard as the Dr! That would be hilarious. I’m a massive Dr Who fan actually, I was very dubious of Matt Smith at first but totally love him now. Roll on April!
Do you know I have never watched an entire episode of Doctor Who or Star Trek. I think a prerequisite for the role is not to be too good looking (going by past doctors), so that may discount Colin Firth!
Hugh Laurie! Yes please! 🙂
Ben wishaw who is the new Q in the bond films, I think he kind of fits the dr who ‘feel’ somehow.