Way back in 2018, BBC One shook
up the fan base of one of the longest-running British sci-fi franchises by
announcing that the nigh-immortal Time Lord called the Doctor, will “regenerate”
into a female form for the 11th series in the revival of “Doctor Who.”
In context, previous Doctor actor Peter Capaldi passed the torch to actress
Jodie Whittaker, the current “13th Doctor” who has travelled from
one adventure to another aboard her TARDIS for three series under a new
creative team. However, after the present 13th series concludes so
will Whittaker’s time headlining “Doctor Who.” But there are still some
specials airing next year.
BBC tells us that Jodie Whittaker is now sure to retire from the
role of the titular Doctor from BBC One’s “Doctor Who” after completing the
post-series specials that will follow the conclusion of the current show.
Leaving with her from the production is current executive producer Chris
Chibnall, who replaced Steven Moffatt in 2018 in time for production of the 11th
series with Whittaker. The two apparently have an informal agreement to exit
the long-running show at the same time, and the network confirmed as such
Thursday, July 29.
In interview, Chibnall notes that
he had a “once-in-a-lifetime blast” working on “Doctor Who” with Whittaker in
the role, although they also promised each other “three series and out.” In his
words, the EP remarked, "So now our shift is done, and we’re handing back
the TARDIS keys." It was Chibnall who made the last push to recast the
Time Lord as a female, and he described Whittaker’s casting as exceeding all
expectations. “[Jodie] captured the public imagination and continues to inspire
adoration around the world, as well as from everyone on the production,” adds
Chibnall. “I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor – so I’m not
going to!”
In the “Doctor Who” main
character’s regeneration as characterized by Jodie Whittaker, the
time-and-space-travelling alien was portrayed as being light-hearted, with a
more pronounced inventive streak, highly valuing her friendship with her
various human companions aboard the TARDIS, and prioritizing non-violent
solutions to most problems. The actress herself has begun to make her farewells
to the fandom saying, "I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s
out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will
surprise you. Constantly."
“Doctor Who” series 13, the third
and final series featuring the 13th Doctor, will premiere on BBC UK
and BBC America sometime later this year. It will carry on through to 2022, to
be followed by the specials which would, in keeping with tradition, conclude
with the Doctor regenerating to a new, yet undecided, actor.
Image courtesy of Variety
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