Seventh Doctor Actor Sylvester McCoy Shares a Critique on Modern Doctor Who
Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy reveals one downside to the evolution of modern Doctor Who, as the iconic show strives to maintain its appeal to both new and older audiences
Article Overview
Doctor Who has trended towards younger actors as the Time Lord, suggesting the current Doctor Who era lacks the "wise old man" persona of the early Time Lords.
Sylvester McCoy, known for his role as the Seventh Doctor, expresses regret over the trend of casting younger actors. According to him, having an older Doctor would serve as an inspiring figure for young individuals. However, in an exciting turn of events, the series plans to feature David Tennant in the 60th anniversary specials, possibly rejuvenating the wisdom and maturity that McCoy yearns for.
Doctor Who alum Sylvester McCoy shared his only criticism of the show's revival era. McCoy, who portrayed the Seventh Doctor from 1987 to 1989, recently spoke with SFX Magazine about his thoughts on the current Doctor Who era. He expressed that the shift towards casting younger actors in the role of the Time Lord is the "negative thing" about the revival. McCoy fondly recalled a time when the Doctor was seen as a wise old man.
"It has undergone a transformation, becoming younger and thereby achieving even greater success. However, I do feel a sense of regret because what I admired about the early Doctors was that we had a superhero who was not akin to Superman or Mr. America; he was not muscular. Instead, he relied on his intellect rather than physical strength, all while embodying the wisdom of an elderly individual.
"In our Anglo-Saxon society, which does not hold the same level of reverence for the elderly as seen in Latin or Indian societies, the presence of an older Doctor meant that young people could have a hero who represented their elders. This, in my opinion, is the downside. However, I acknowledge that this is a highly personal viewpoint."
Has it undergone any changes? Not really. It continues to undergo transformations and yet remains unchanged, resembling a complex web of visuals and creative elements. The experiences we had in our youth shape the perspectives of writers.
I observed that certain elements introduced during the Christopher Eccleston era were reminiscent of what we had previously done, such as the baby and various other aspects. Additionally, the concept of Matt Smith's fez, which I had initially introduced, and even the impromptu dance with the mop, originated from my improvisation on set, which the production team decided to keep.
Despite Younger Doctors, Doctor Who Is Still Trying To Appeal To The Older Crowd
McCoy’s analysis of the Time Lord's evolving ages is largely accurate. Out of the initial seven Doctor Who leads, only one, Peter Davidson as the Fifth Doctor, assumed the role when they were younger than 40. In contrast, four out of the six most recent Doctors have embarked on their Time Lord journeys prior to turning 40. Furthermore, Ncuti Gatwa, who will portray the Fifteenth Doctor, will be 31 years old during his Doctor Who debut later this year.
Doctor Number | Actor | Age At The Start Of Tenure |
Eighth Doctor | Paul McGann | 36 |
Tenth Doctor | David Tennant | 34 |
Eleventh Doctor | Matt Smith | 27 |
Thirteenth Doctor | Jodie Whittaker | 36 |
The modern-age Doctors tend to be younger, but this trend will change slightly with Tennant's return for the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials. At 52, Tennant will be the third-oldest actor to portray a new Time Lord, preceded only by First Doctor William Hartnell (55) and Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi (56). Although Tennant initially portrayed a younger incarnation of the Doctor, perhaps he can bring back the wisdom that McCoy longs for in Doctor Who.
In addition to Tennant, Doctor Who has also brought back several cast members from the original series, including McCoy himself. As we approach the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials and season 14, this trend continues with the return of Bonnie Langford's Melanie Bush, who originally appeared in the 1980s version of the series. Therefore, while Doctor Who may still have predominantly younger Doctors, recent casting choices show that the show values its older cast members.
Source: SFX Magazine
Editor's P/S
As a long-time fan of Doctor Who, I have mixed feelings about the trend of casting younger actors in the role of the Time Lord. On the one hand, I understand the desire to appeal to a younger audience and keep the show fresh and exciting. On the other hand, I feel that the older Doctors had a certain wisdom and gravitas that is missing from the younger ones.
I agree with Sylvester McCoy that the Doctor was originally conceived as a wise old man, and I think that this is an important part of the character. The Doctor has seen and experienced so much in his long life, and this gives him a unique perspective on the universe. A younger Doctor simply cannot have the same level of experience and wisdom.
However, I also understand that the show needs to evolve and change in order to stay relevant. I am excited to see what the future holds for Doctor Who, and I am confident that the show will continue to be a success, regardless of the age of the actor playing the Doctor.
