‘Doctor Who’ Star Jodie Whittaker Talks Making the Role Her Own & New Companions
Q&A
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“Oh, brilliant.” With those words, Jodie Whittaker made her 2017 debut as the sci-fi series Doctor Who‘s first female Doctor.
Whovians finally get to see No. 13 in action Sunday, October 7, complete with a spiffy new TARDIS, sonic screwdriver and pals Ryan, Graham and Yasmin (Tosin Cole,
Everything is fresh for Season 11. Has the Doctor changed too?
Jodie Whittaker: The Doctor is still the Doctor. For our showrunner, Chris Chibnall [also new!], it was all about taking the show in a new direction but not leaving behind the wonderful character traits. For me, it was about using what I felt was the best energy and rhythm.
Speaking of energy, your Doctor seems more upbeat than, say, No. 12 (Peter Capaldi).
Regenerating is like a rebirth. The Doctor is always striving forward and striving for good, and I think as humans, the older we get, the more jaded we get. I didn’t want to play that. The perspective I have in life has always been a very heartful, almost manic energy.
Tell us about your new companions.
Graham is the most cautious, as he’s the eldest, whereas Ryan is an energetic, feet-first character who does things without thinking. And Yasmin is very grounded. She shows real bravery and strength.
And your adventures?
It’s 10 stand-alone episodes in different worlds, sometimes in history, sometimes space. If you fall in love with the show as much as I have as a new Whovian, you then have 55 years to delve into!
Doctor Who, Season 11 Premiere, Sunday, October 7, BBC America
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