Matt Smith on Ncuti Gatwa Doctor Who casting: “I think he’s going to be truly brilliant”
Matt Smith, the actor who played the Eleventh incarnation of the Doctor on Doctor Who between April 2010 and December 2013, has given his verdict on the incoming pilot of the TARDIS calling Ncuti Gatwa’s appointment as the Fourteenth Doctor “inspired casting.”
Gatwa, the 29 year-old actor best known for his portrayal of Eric Effiong on Netflix comedy drama Sex Education, was unveiled as the replacement to Jodie Whittaker by the BBC on Sunday ending months of speculation as to which actor would take on one of the most famous roles in science fiction and most prestigious parts in British television.
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Speaking at a fan event in Paris which was captured by an attendee and posted to Twitter, Smith, who is soon to star in Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon on HBO (pictured above) said: “I think he’s going to be truly brilliant. I think it’s an inspired piece of casting.”
He went on to praise Gatwa’s performance in his most famous role as Eric in Sex Education, stating: “I don’t know if you’ve seen him in Sex Education? There’s a warmth and a wit, and a real depth to his talent.”
Smith is not the only star to comment positively on Gatwa’s appointment, with several former cast members of Doctor Who including Georgia Tennant and Karen Gillan taking to social media to congratulate the new Doctor, as well as members of the Sex Education cast including Emma Mackey and Alistair Petrie.
After keeping his casting secret since February, Gatwa will have to continue to wait before he can become the Fourteenth Doctor on screen as there will be one final Jodie Whittaker Doctor Who special aired in the autumn to coincide with the centenary of the BBC. Although it is sure to be filled with surprises, the we do know that several former companions and monsters will be returning to the show for the episode.
Gatwa will join the show full time in 2023 in time for the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who which will be helmed by incoming showrunner Russell T Davies, who takes over from Chris Chibnall in charge of Doctor Who.
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