Ncuti Gatwa was the perfect ambassador for Doctor Who – his early exit changes nothing

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Disney and Doctor Who have ended their partnership, and everyone is now wondering what caused the split.

Honestly, only Disney really knows what happened with the show’s performance. I’ve seen a lot of theories floating around – Deadline reported some from people inside Disney – and they range from claims that the show was ‘too woke’ to the idea that its very British humor just didn’t land with American audiences. It’s all speculation, though!

I’m skeptical of those explanations. It would be disappointing if Disney really left over just a single gay kiss and the inclusion of trans actress Yasmin Finney and drag artist Jinkx Monsoon. Plus, Doctor Who has gained a following in America before and already has a strong international fanbase.

I was really surprised by one claim. A source told Deadline that Ncuti Gatwa hasn’t fully represented the spirit of Doctor Who, explaining that being the Doctor is about more than just acting. The source said, “It’s about being a face for the show and connecting with a new generation of fans, something Matt Smith and David Tennant both did really well.”

I’m genuinely curious – when did Ncuti Gatwa seem unaware of what being the face of Doctor Who meant in terms of representing the show?

Ncuti Gatwa has fully committed to playing the Fifteenth Doctor for the past three years. Despite facing unacceptable racism and homophobia after being cast, he quickly established himself as a unique and compelling version of the Time Lord – a significant achievement considering he’s the fifteenth actor to take on the role.

As a film and TV fan, I’ve been consistently amazed by his acting. He can deliver pure joy one minute and then completely switch to raw anger – he really covers the whole emotional spectrum. Taking over from someone as popular as David Tennant could have been tricky, but he didn’t just step into the role, he absolutely owned it.

Throughout his time as the Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa delivered many powerful performances, but the ending of ‘Dot and Bubble’ was particularly striking. He masterfully portrayed the Doctor’s wide range of emotions – from panic and disbelief, to despair and anger, ultimately settling into a heartbreaking acceptance. This scene truly showcased his talent and commitment to the character.

Being the Doctor isn’t just about what happens on camera. It’s also about how the actor connects with fans and lives up to the character’s ideals, and Ncuti Gatwa excelled at that aspect of the role.

Given the negativity he faced while playing the Doctor, it’s understandable if Ncuti Gatwa prefers to avoid engaging with Doctor Who fans.

He chose to concentrate on the enthusiastic side of his fanbase, making an effort to meet fans while filming and connect with them online. He frequently showcased fan-created artwork on Instagram, expressing his appreciation for the artists, and always showed genuine excitement for any gifts related to the show.

Above all, Ncuti Gatwa truly captures the spirit of the Doctor. He’s passionate about standing up for his beliefs, actively supporting causes like LGBTQ+ rights and speaking out on issues such as the situation in Palestine. Having experienced homelessness himself, he now works with Centrepoint, a charity helping those without homes, and has shared his dream of building a school in Rwanda.

He’s deeply committed to making sure everyone feels represented, and understands how much his portrayal of the Doctor means to people who haven’t often seen themselves reflected in media.

He’d previously explained that the Doctor is a shape-shifting alien, meaning they could theoretically be anyone. He believes limiting the character to just one portrayal is a missed opportunity, and asks, ‘Wouldn’t it be great for anyone to imagine themselves as the Doctor?’

It’s strange to hear people criticize Ncuti Gatwa as a Doctor Who. Some seem upset about his past magazine photoshoots, but honestly, I feel bad for anyone who thinks the Doctor isn’t allowed to be attractive. It’s a pretty limited way to look at things, Jane.

You know, I’ve been hearing rumors that Ncuti Gatwa might be moving on from Doctor Who a bit sooner than expected. But honestly, even if that’s true, it doesn’t change how fantastic he’s been for the show – he’s been a total ambassador! It wouldn’t have made any sense for him to stick around while the future of Doctor Who was up in the air, especially when he’s clearly got a ton of other exciting opportunities coming his way. It’s totally understandable.

No matter how you felt about the last couple of seasons or Disney’s involvement, Ncuti Gatwa deserves no criticism. We’re fortunate to have seen his take on the Doctor, and Doctor Who would be struggling much more without him.

Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-10-31 19:05