Doctor Who‘s upcoming season is set to premiere on April 12, and many fans are hoping it will feature even more queer moments.
With Ncuti Gatwa leading the series as the Fifteenth Doctor, Waris Hussein, the original director of Doctor Who, has voiced his hopes for more explicit queer representation.
Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine, Hussein – who directed the very first episode of the show in 1963 – shared his curiosity about showrunner Russell T Davies’ approach to the Doctor’s sexuality.
Hussein said, “I’m curious about Russell T [Davies]’s thinking.”
“Where’s he taking the character? What’s the mystery?”
“If Russell T has made the Doctor queer, is there a reference to it? There should be a curiosity among the people the Doctor meets.”
Hussein, who is openly gay, also noted the cultural significance of Gatwa’s casting as the first Black actor to take on the iconic role.
He said, “There’s no point in saying, ‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’”
“It does. Queerness matters. Queerness shapes you. I’ve grown up with that mentality – I can’t get rid of it. So, it must shape the Doctor.”
“If he’s gay, let’s see it. But don’t lose the mystery.”
“I wonder if the burden of responsibility on him is greater,” he then pondered.
Gatwa has addressed countless backlash following his casting but remains focused on the overwhelming support from Doctor Who fans.
Speaking to Vanity Fair in November 2024, he acknowledged that negativity exists in sci-fi fandoms but praised the love and warmth he’s received.
He said, “Unfortunately, those are voices that exist in sci-fi fandoms – but they’re not the only voices.”
He added, “I just remember feeling a lot of warmth and love, being embraced into a big nerd family.”
“When we’re shooting Doctor Who, there are fans outside the studio or on location every single time, be it at 4am, be it minus-12 degrees,” he said.
The new season, officially being called “Season Two” due to production changes and Disney+ taking over international broadcasting, will also feature a major LGBTQ+ moment: a space version of Eurovision, hosted by Rylan Clark.
A recent trailer teased the “Interstellar Song Contest,” with Rylan taking the stage alongside a feline companion.
Doctor Who is facing potential upheaval as reports suggest lead actor Ncuti Gatwa may exit the show amid declining ratings and fan dissatisfaction.
Gatwa has reportedly filmed his regeneration scene and plans to leave after the upcoming season.
Speculation about the show’s future intensified following reports of low viewership and criticism over recent storylines.
According to a report from The Sun, BBC is considering shelving the series for at least 5 to 10 years. Despite these concerns, the BBC has dismissed cancellation rumours.
A BBC spokeswoman said, “This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs.”
They also added, “The deal with Disney Plus was for 26 episodes – and exactly half of those still have to transmit. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”
Discussion