Ncuti Gatwa as the New Doctor Who: A Perfect Succession from Matt Smith
Ncuti Gatwa's casting as Matt Smith in Doctor Who biopic An Adventure in Space and Time was a brilliant decision by the BBC, accompanied by other exciting edits A perfect choice to enhance the show's captivating storyline
Recently, the BBC stirred up controversy when they replaced Ncuti Gatwa with Matt Smith in the Doctor Who biopic An Adventure in Space and Time. However, many believe that this decision was not only the right one, but the obvious one as well.
An Adventure in Space and Time debuted in November 2013, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. The show, written by Doctor Who writer and occasional guest star Mark Gatiss, tells the story of how the iconic sci-fi series was created.
During the film, actor William Hartnell (David Bradley) has a memorable moment where he envisions the future, seeing Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. However, viewers who watched the BBC's November 2023 re-broadcast of An Adventure in Space and Time missed out on Smith's cameo and instead saw Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.
Ncuti Gatwa replacing Matt Smith in Adventure in Space and Time was the obvious choice
Unsurprisingly, not everyone welcomed this change with open arms. "I'm a bit upset about that," voiced one X user. "Ncuti hasn't proven himself yet to deserve that position." "It's a big blow to the reputation of what was once an amazing show," added a second. "It's interesting, but poor Matty if he's been overshadowed!" commented a third.
However, there were also supporters of the Smith/Gatwa switch. One fan exclaimed, "I loved An Adventure in Space & Time when it first aired, and updating the ending to show Ncuti is magical!" Another fan expressed, "Matt Smith wasn’t exactly [the] 11th Doctor there, but more like a personification of the future of the show. So it is very fitting to replace him with Ncuti."
Looking at the two arguments, those advocating for Gatwa’s inclusion in An Adventure in Space and Time make the strongest case. This scene is ultimately about Doctor Who’s past and future. In 2023, Gatwa (not Smith) represents that future. As multiple commentators have pointed out, even Gatiss himself is willing to update the scene periodically. Despite Smith’s wonderful cameo, he is not actually the focus here.
The critique that replacing Smith with Gatwa negatively impacts the preservation efforts of the Doctor Who franchise does carry some weight, especially since the Gatwa version of An Adventure in Space and Time is currently the only one available on BBC iPlayer. This does raise concerns about the potential loss of original Whoniverse history.
However, it's important to note that the Smith version is still available for streaming on platforms like BritBox and is also available for purchase on physical media. Additionally, the BBC's archiving practices have significantly improved since the days of entire Doctor Who episodes going missing. Therefore, it is highly likely that the "Smith Cut" will continue to be preserved.
Adding Gatwa to An Adventure in Space and Time wasn’t the BBC’s only edit
Furthermore, the inclusion of Gatwa is not nearly as significant as the BBC's other revisions to Adventure in Space and Time. According to multiple sources, the BBC made noticeable cuts to various scenes and dialogues in the 2023 edition of the film.
This material is connected to the first serial of Doctor Who, titled "An Unearthly Child," for which the BBC does not have exclusive rights. The rights are shared with Stef Anthony Coburn, the son of the writer of the serial, who partially withdrew them in protest of the franchise's progressive direction.
These edits also highlight the core issue behind the Smith/Gatwa controversy: the resistance to change. In both cases, the individuals involved are opposed to the show evolving into something they are not comfortable with, despite the fact that Doctor Who is fundamentally based on the concept of transformation.
Ignore the naysayers and stay focused on the future of the franchise. Doctor Who thrives when it looks forward, not backward. That's why the decision to replace Matt Smith with Ncuti Gatwa in An Adventure in Space and Time was the right move. For the latest Doctor Who content, visit Dexerto for full coverage.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Ncuti Gatwa's casting as the new Doctor Who. On the one hand, I am excited to see a new actor take on the role and bring their own unique interpretation to the character. Gatwa is a talented actor, and I believe he has the potential to be a great Doctor.
On the other hand, I am also sad to see Matt Smith go. Smith was my first Doctor, and I have a lot of nostalgia for his era of the show. I think he did a fantastic job in the role, and I will miss seeing him on screen.
Ultimately, I think Gatwa's casting is a good decision for the show. It is important to keep the show fresh and exciting, and bringing in new actors is a great way to do that. I am looking forward to seeing what Gatwa brings to the role, and I am confident that he will be a great Doctor.
However, I also think it is important to acknowledge the concerns of fans who are unhappy with Smith's departure. These fans have a right to their opinions, and their voices should be heard. I hope that the BBC will take these concerns into account when making future decisions about the show.
