Matt Smith Responds To Doctor Who Criticisms About Ncuti Gatwa & Jodie Whittaker
Eleventh Doctor actor Matt Smith speaks out on criticisms directed toward Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Who tenures, highlighting the power the show still has on audiences. Smith took on the role of the series’ leading Time Lord following David Tennant’s departure as the Tenth Doctor in 2010, leading the series’ through seasons 5-7 and the milestone 50th anniversary celebrations. An old being with a young face nearing the end of his life, the Eleventh Doctor reckoned with letting others in once more, alongside finally facing the shame of his darkest day in the Time War.
Despite almost 14 years passing since his Doctor Who departure, Smith recently shared his appreciation of the show with The Times, alongside his support for both Whittaker and Gatwa’s tenures as the Time Lord. While giving his honest thoughts on how the role propelled him into stardom, Smith praised both the show and its continued audience appeal, before questioning how anyone could take issue with the series. Check out Smith’s full reveal below:
Matt Smith Recognizes Why Doctor Who Is A Timeless Tale
Smith’s Experience Was A Unique Period For The Show
For Smith, his tenure of Doctor Who represented a time that was both of concern and celebration, as major changes beyond its lead actor were occurring. With the departure of both Tennant and then-showrunner Russell T Davies, outright canceling the series was considered by the BBC before Smith and Steven Moffat were brought on board in a successful era that not only saw expansion through how it was broadcasted but saw the franchise celebrate 50 years of adventures. As such, Smith has a unique perspective on the series, recognizing its endurance as a staple of the BBC and pop culture.