We are fast approaching the next regeneration for the Doctor, which means Jodie Whittaker as the thirteenth doctor on doctor who coming to an end soon. Her stint in the role ends this year as the actress leaves the franchise alongside showrunner Chris Chibnall. Russell T Davies, who helped revive the franchise in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston, will take over as showrunner with a new, unannounced actor replacing Whittaker.
A lot doctor who fans have enjoyed Whittaker’s run, but it’s impossible to ignore the online criticism that has followed her since her casting was first announced. Whether it’s criticism of her casting being too “awake” or for whatever reason, Whittaker has gotten a lot of heat online from people who were unhappy to see her wield the sonic screwdriver. Whatever the case, executive producer Matt Strevens, who is also leaving the series this year, believes the time will be right for Whittaker, with future fans looking back on the legacy of the Thirteenth Doctor with fondness.
“Every doctor gets it, every showrunner gets it,” Strevens told Doctor Who Magazine, per Radio Times. “I loved Steven Moffat’s response when Russell T Davies was recently announced to be returning – he wrote ‘RTD MUST GO!’ on Instagram. I thought that was so funny, because there’s always someone waiting for a blast. And that’s good in a way. The great thing is that we have freedom of speech and people are free to say what they want. “
Strevens added: “Each era of doctor who has had its huge champions, and every era and every doctor has made people say, ‘It’s not like it used to be…’ And then, after that, a lot of the kind of contemporary commentary disappears. With a short distance of time, there is tremendous fondness looking back. I think when the story is written, Jodie’s Doctor will be remembered with great fondness. And love, frankly.”
Jodie Whittaker’s run as the thirteenth doctor is almost over
“I shot my version of Rain, and it was hands down the most emotional day on set I’ve ever had,” Whittaker recently told EW, confirming she’s wrapped up her final scenes. “It’s a very bizarre feeling, because it’s the best time I’ve ever had on a job, and I’ve made the decision to leave it, so it’s very strange to do to yourself. It feels like you close – like, ‘Why did you do it?’ But… it felt good.”
the upcoming doctor who star went on to say, “It was a wonderfully festive day of sadness that I could spend with the family I made. I think the best thing about the episodes is still going on. So until they’re off, I don’t have to not really mind that it’s not my part!”
It is not yet clear who will be the next person to take the reins as the Fourteenth Doctor. In any case, some will probably be happy with the casting, while others will be disappointed no matter who gets the part.
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