Breaking Barriers: Ncuti Gatwa Shatters Doctor Who Stereotypes Amidst British Media Criticism

Ncuti Gatwa, the next lead of Doctor Who, shares his thoughts on being the first Black man to portray the titular character. Having aired for 13 full seasons since its revival in 2005, Gatwa will be the sixth actor to take on this iconic role, beginning with Doctor Who season 14. He follows in the footsteps of a long line of actors who have become British and international cultural icons as the Doctor. Despite this, Gatwa has faced criticism for accepting the role due to his identity.

During a recent interview with Rolling Stone UK, Gatwa discusses his connection to Doctor Who and the backlash he has received from the media as the first Black actor to portray the Doctor. The actor reveals that his experience as a Rwandan refugee allows him to identify with the Doctor's journey of rebirth. However, Gatwa acknowledges his anxieties and expresses his determination to overcome the negativity, stating:

"I am the trailblazing first Black man to portray this character. The British media can be quite harsh... Nevertheless, my primary focus is on fulfilling my role and remaining faithful to the essence of the Doctor: an eccentric extraterrestrial scientist embarking on thrilling escapades whilst displaying genuine concern for all."

Support for Gatwa's Doctor Remains Strong

The latest Doctor is not embarking on this journey alone. Gatwa expresses gratitude towards showrunner Russell T Davies, highlighting his incredible support and calming presence. Moreover, the actor candidly admits to experiencing anxiety, but affirms the effectiveness of therapy in managing it. Gatwa further adds that arrangements have been made to ensure he has dedicated time for his therapy sessions. In addition, previous Doctors, including Peter Capaldi, David Tennant, and Matt Smith, have extended their support. Tennant even created a group chat where former Doctor Who actors can stay connected and offer guidance on handling media attention.

Having a supportive team that recognizes Gatwa's talent is crucial to his success as the Fifteenth Doctor. His transparent expression of his emotions as the first Black man to lead Doctor Who is a testament to his character. Gatwa fearlessly challenges conventions and defies expectations, showcasing his true potential.

Doctor Who thrives on reinvention, and Gatwa will undoubtedly present a daring reinterpretation of the time-traveling alien. His future within the franchise appears promising; Gatwa has already hinted at his return for Doctor Who season 15, even before his official debut. With a stylish and vulnerability-exploiting portrayal, anticipation for Gatwa's incarnation of the Time Lord is exceptionally high.

Source: Rolling Stone UK