(Image credit: Warner Bros.)
The iconic Doctor Who series has captivated audiences for over 60 years, featuring a plethora of actors in significant roles and guest appearances. Notable names include Simon Pegg as a nefarious editor in ‘The Long Game’, Andrew Garfield combating extraterrestrials in ‘Daleks in Manhattan’, and Daniel Kaluuya from Get Out. Other stars like Oscar winner Olivia Colman and Black Panther’s Letitia Wright have also graced the series. It’s a veritable who’s who of the entertainment world.
When questioned about potential newcomers, showrunner Russell T Davies initially expressed bewilderment during an interview with GamesRadar+, stating that “almost everyone has been in it”. He reminisced about past highlights like Kylie Minogue’s appearance in the Titanic-themed ‘Voyage of the Damned’.
Yet, when pressed further, Davies disclosed his aspiration: the presence of Viola Davis, the accomplished star of The Woman King and Suicide Squad. Davies describes Davis as a performer who embodies “quality, depth, and surprise” – perfect attributes for a role in Doctor Who. His admiration for her talent was clear as he noted, “one of the greatest actors in the world,” wishing for the chance to have her grace the show’s set.
Should this dream come to fruition, Davies envisions Viola Davis as the new manifestation of the Doctor’s formidable enemy, the Master. Expressing his hopes to GamesRadar+, he imagines Davis asserting, “Doctor, you are dead,” adding depth to the classic antagonist role. The prospect of her participation is a tantalizing possibility.
However, the current Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, has his wish list too. He hopes his Barbie co-star Ryan Gosling, known as “the number one Whovian,” will make an appearance. Gosling’s frequent sporting of a Doctor Who t-shirt on the Barbie set speaks volumes about his fandom.
Meanwhile, Varada Sethu, introduced this season as companion Belinda, aspires for the famous Beyoncé to embark on a TARDIS adventure, asserting that “stranger things have happened”. Whether such stars will join remains to be seen, but one can always hope.
The eagerly anticipated new season of Doctor Who premieres on April 12, available internationally on Disney Plus and in the UK on BBC iPlayer. To explore more upcoming TV shows, refer to our comprehensive guide.