Doctor Who showrunner praises 'inclusive' casting of Heartstopper star
Russell T Davies explains the progressive casting of Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, addressing the age adjustment he made for the character
Russell T Davies, the creator of Doctor Who, has discussed the reasoning behind casting Yasmin Finney in the highly anticipated 60th anniversary specials. Finney has been chosen to portray Rose Noble, a new character in the Doctor Who universe. Rose is the daughter of Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate, who is making her comeback to the series after her last appearance in 2010's "The End of Time (Part 2)."
Little is known about Rose currently, but it has been disclosed in advance materials that she will come across an adorable alien creature named Meep in the anniversary special titled "The Star Beast."
Furthermore, it has been confirmed by Finney that Rose, like Finney herself, identifies as transgender. Additionally, Finney mentioned that both Donna and her spouse, Shaun Temple (played by Karl Collins), were incredibly supportive of their daughter.
Doctor Who showrunner weighs in on Yasmin Finney’s “progressive” casting
Davies, in a recent Q&A session at a press screening of "The Star Beast," not only discussed Finney's casting but also addressed Rose's gender identity. He emphasized that this commitment to progressiveness extends beyond Doctor Who and is shared by many other writers. The aim is to reflect a broader representation of society.
"In the process of casting Yasmin, there were limited options available, but it felt like destiny intervened and she appeared, even before [Netflix series] Heartstopper," Davies revealed. "The synchronicity was powerful, and she truly excels in her role. It is an honor to collaborate with her and bring her talent to the screen."
Davies also emphasized the contrast between the diverse casting in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials and Series 14 / Season 1, compared to his earlier works. "If you look at something I wrote in 1999, like Queer as Folk, where the cast was predominantly white, that would be unimaginable now," observed the showrunner. "There has been a natural progression... The door is gradually opening wider and wider, pushing the boundaries as much as we can."
Russell T Davies admits he “fudged” Rose Noble’s age
Davies’ recent remarks about Yasmin Finney’s casting have sparked discussion, particularly regarding a supposed continuity error due to the actor's age. In an interview with Doctor Who Magazine, the Welsh writer acknowledged that Finney is slightly older than the character she is portraying, Donna's daughter. However, he dropped a hint that this discrepancy will be addressed in an upcoming season of Doctor Who.
"We manipulated the timeline a bit with Donna, but it's important to remember the peculiar time anomaly that affected Camden in 2017, shifting everyone's lives by exactly eight months and three days," Davies revealed. "We'll delve into that story in Series 7, so if you have concerns about Rose's age, rest assured, I will address it."
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Editor's P/S
Russell T Davies' decision to cast Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials is a commendable step towards inclusivity in the entertainment industry. By choosing a trans actress to play a trans character, Davies is sending a powerful message of acceptance and representation. This move not only aligns with the progressive values of modern society but also reflects the changing demographics and experiences of the audience.
Furthermore, Davies' acknowledgment of the age discrepancy between Finney and the character she portrays showcases his commitment to addressing potential continuity issues. By teasing a future storyline that will explore this anomaly, he demonstrates a respect for the show's established lore while also keeping viewers engaged and invested in the narrative. This approach not only maintains the integrity of the Doctor Who universe but also highlights Davies' skill as a storyteller.
