Ncuti Gatwa is hoping on the Tardis as the 14th Doctor on Doctor Who and…we’re a bit emotional. Not only will Gatwa bring representation to our screens as a Black man, but he is also openly gay. This writer in particular, who happens to be queer, sees this as a historic moment for viewers who watch this show and never thought something like this would be possible for our communities.
“There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared,” Gatwa said in a BBC press release. He also said, “This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same.”
Gatwa, who is best known for his time on Sex Education, received absolute praise from Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies. In the same press release, he said, “Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.”
The reactions were, as expected, immediate. And while there were some absolutely racist and homophobic reactions, we will not be including them here because this is a safe space to celebrate Gatwa as the new Doctor. Haters can keep screaming into the void for all we care.
But back to reactions.
Sylvester McCoy, who played the seventh Doctor, made fans tear up with a sweet message welcoming Gatwa to this unique club of actors who have taken on the mantle of the time-traveling alien.
Others had art, the Lego and digital kind, ready for his arrival.
Meanwhile, others were reassuring fans to not worry about the “true fans” who say that if you start Doctor Who now, you’re not a fan. You are. Watch at your hearts content, dear viewer.
Some hilarious tweets were already thinking about how the new Doctor will face Daleks when the time comes based on Gatwa’s time on Sex Education.
And our personal favorite, some people already were making collages of Gatwa with the others actors who have played The Doctor because he’s family already.
