“My mouth gets paralyzed by the concept of playing this role,” Gatwa says during a lunch with BBC and Disney after setting a deal for Doctor Who to stream on Disney+ outside UK and Ireland, “Its roots are so deep in British culture and the fabric of British-ness that as a Rwandan immigrant to the country, it feels just really powerful.”
The actor continues to say the importance of his role to the audience; how much it matters to the people of color, for marginalized people because of its ‘endless possibilities.’
As the first-ever person of color to play The Doctor after twelve different actors, Gatwa becomes a part of Doctor Who’s new generation, along with how Jodie Whittaker became the very first female Doctor in the series’ history. Between POC companions Yaz Khan, Martha Jones, and Mickey Smith, there has always been a lack of diversity to the regenerations of the Doctor, which makes Ncuti Gatwa’s casting a major milestone for Doctor Who in terms of broadening its representation.
Ncuti Gatwa is most popularly known for playing Eric Effiong in Netflix’ series, Sex Education, and is set to return for its fourth season, despite losing a number of familiar faces in the upcoming season. Although fans were worried about losing another, Gatwa confirmed he will be returning to Moordale Secondary School.
Doctor Who begins streaming on Disney+ in 2023.
Also Read: Matt Smith Feels More Pressured on Doctor Who Than on House of the Dragon: ‘It’s A Tough Part To Leave’
