Former Doctor Who star Matt Smith comments on his most recent successor Ncuti Gatwa, describing his casting as the Fourteenth Doctor as “sensational.”
Speaking at the premiere of Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon – in which he has a starring role – Smith said he had exchanged a few WhatsApp messages with the Sex Education star and thinks he’s a perfect fit for the role.
“I think it’s the most sensational bit of casting,” he told Variety. “What an actor – he’s brilliant in Sex Education.
“I think he’s got something ‘other’ that that part really needs.”
Smith – who is my Doctor – was very popular for three seasons between 2010 and 2014. He joins several other former stars of the show in giving Gatwa his support – with David Tennant, Peter Capaldi, and Jodie Whittaker among those to have previously praised the casting.
Back in May, BBC announced Gatwa would play the 14th Doctor, making him the first Black actor to portray the role. Gatwa will replace Jodie Whittaker, who has played the role since 2017.
Returning showrunner Russell T Davies commented back then: “The future is here, and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door, and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant that I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.
“I think Russell has such a sense of the show as well, and I’m really, really excited to see where ‘Doctor Who’ is going,” Smith said. “I love ‘Doctor Who,’ it’s forever in my heart.”
Smith currently stars as Prince Daemon Targaryen in HBOs highly anticipated Game of Thrones spinoff, House of the Dragon. Set nearly 200 years before the events that occurred in GoT, the show follows the story of House Targaryen and an enthralling battle between the potential heirs of the Iron Throne.
Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon will debut on HBO and HBO Max on 21 August. Season 14 of Doctor Who is set to premiere in 2023.
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