And the new Doctor is Matt Smith.
A special “Doctor Who Confidential” announced 26-year old actor Matt Smith as the eleventh Doctor today. The announcement brings to an end nine weeks of speculation on who would inherit the role when David Tennant regenerates next year.
The news comes as a bit of a surprise. Smith’s name had not been one of those rumored to be taking the role in recent weeks. Rumored contenders for the part included “Survivors” star Paterson Joseph, James Nesbitt and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Smith is the youngest actor to play the role of the Doctor.
“I’m just so excited about the journey that is in front of me. It’s a wonderful privilege and challenge that I hope I will thrive on,” Smith said in a BBC press-release. “David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set by him. The challenge for me is to do justice to the show’s illustrious past, my predecessors, and most importantly, to those who watch it. I really cannot wait.â€
“I feel proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity to join a team of people that has worked so tirelessly to make the show so thrilling,” Smith added.
“The Doctor is a very special part, and it takes a very special actor to play him,” said producer Steven Moffatt. “You need to be old and young at the same time, a boffin and an action hero, a cheeky schoolboy and the wise old man of the universe.
“As soon as Matt walked through the door, and blew us away with a bold and brand new take on the Time Lord, we knew we had our man,” Moffatt added. “2010 is a long time away but rest assured the 11th Doctor is coming – and the universe has never been so safe.â€
The BBC kept the secret under wraps for weeks and is said to have made the decision over the Christmas holidays. The special episode of “Doctor Who Confidential” was aired not only on television screens across the UK, but also broadcast live on BBC Big Screens.
Smith’s previous work includes “Secret Life of a Call Girl” with former companion Billie Piper, “Party Animals,” and the upcoming “Moses Jones.”
Matt is too young to play The Doctor..he looks strange and he can not have been a Doctor of Theology more like a boy still doing his G C S E's . Will he have a play penn in The Tardis? And Donna Noble could be his baby sitter. Poor move..can not wait till the 12th Doctor.
I think people are very quick to judge, what basis does the argument, "Matt Smith will suck!" have? Give the guy a chance, I absolutely love David Tennant, both as The Doctor, and as an actor, but I am also very excited to see what direction Matt Smith takes the show, his age shouldn't be an issue if his acting is up to scratch, and personally, I feel a younger actor will bring a different energy to the show overall.
And just as a by the way, anyone who wants Jimmy Nesbit as a Doctor is sorely deluded, I for one could not listen to that accent for 5 minutes let alone 45, and i'm from Northern Ireland.
This comments section is hilarious. Lighten up. None of us have seen him in this role! We did not cast him, we did not see his auditions, get over yourselves. Those who have decided that the show is on a hiatus, in the words of David Tennant (the TENTH doctor not ONLY doctor), I have only one thing to say to you...... BYE!
I just saw the new ep. Was epic. He is great.
How cares if he's younger!? He is good at acting and has that "flair", he is epic and awesome (:
just finished it, I was so surprised, I LOVED him as the doctor. I was really worried but I'm happy I gave him a chance, it was worth it. Now I just need to get used to Amy Pond, not quite sure if I like her yet, I definitely DON'T want another love interest for the Doctor though.
I know it's shallow and I'm offended by myself for feeling it, but he's just so very peculiar looking, that I really don't enjoy looking at him. He looks like there's something wrong with him. He'd be perfect though for Frankinstein's Monster - and think of the positives, they'd save a fortune in make-up!!
Nothing personal and I'm sure Matt is a very pleasant person but he's just not the guy to play Doctor Who...He could carry on for the next millenium and all I'd ever see is someone that doesn't suit the role. Daniel Craig is a superb actor but doesn't look like James Bond. Now Tom Baker was brilliant and perfect for the part................
I have now watched the first three episodes starring Matt Smith and this last one was enough for me. This is up there with the worst of the Dalek stories ever.
My god what has the BBC done - all that good work since the relaunch is lost with Matt Smith and also the dumb girl of an assistant. I was really hopeful when the Don't Blink writer was to take over the reigns but now he is rivaling John Nathan-Turner with the destructive contribution he is making. Mark my words, unless things dramatically improve with the quality of acting for starters the ratings will drop and we know what happens then don't we !!
Call me crazy, but that Hammond guy off Top Gear would do a better job.
I had my doubts when Matt Smith was announced but I reserved judgement and gave him the benefit of the doubt until I had at least seen a few episodes. However, I have now watches 6 episodes and he really cannot act, I think we were all spoilt with David Tennant's professional approach (OK - sometimes a little over the top but at least he could handle emotion) . Matt lacks depth, range and experience. I hope that he is replaced soon
I felt Matt Smith looked wrong for the role from the minute they announced him as the next doctor; to young. Now that I've watched ten episodes, I can honestly say that I am thoroughly disappointed in the entire season so far, and not just in Matt Smith, in everything. The writing, the acting, dialogue, All shite. They should forget marketing and demographics and just make a good show, like they used to... Why is every show ending with some sort of race against time to save the universe? Why have they stayed on Earth so much? Why did they redesign the Daleks? WHY?
Not sure about Matt, just doesn't seem right. But how about David Hewlett as Dr number 12, yes he may have a Canadian Accent and is an American citizen now, but he was born in Redhill, Surrey so is technically English, and they could use the accent as a bit of humor after the regeneration, 'Hmmm new teeth,,,,oh no, I'm an American'
I don't mean that as an insult to our USA cousins , just a bit of humour ;o)
Matt Smith blows as the doctor, I say who's next?