DISQUS

Ash Ali · 12 months ago

It's kinda funny really, the actor is getting younger each regeneration all the while the character is getting much older. This will be interesting. I'm excited, but the poor boy is going to have to be good. Or else he'll be forever compared to Tennant.

Bruce Simmons · 12 months ago

That's a most fascinating observation Ash Ali. Marketing is driving a curious conundrum of sorts!

Damien · 12 months ago

What was weird was the twitter buzz, I was twittering like hell when the program was on and someone twittered to me that Matt Smith was the Doctor before it was announced! infact it was on the wiki entry for him.

JasonM · 12 months ago

Initial reaction was oh no ... but then after reading more it was this guy can do it.

When the doctor was regenerating and we thought that was it we have someone new - we were all prepared then for David Tennants replacement.

Thandrale · 12 months ago

I don't know. Is a 26 year old going to be able to project the confident, worldly persona of The Doctor?

That could be a story point though. Older people not wanting to take orders from him.

I wouldn't mind an older fatherly Doctor. Having the constant sexual tension between The Doctor and his companions is distracting as well as disturbing.

After all he is an alien being. If he ever were to bed one of them it could be dangerous.

Kyle · 12 months ago

I like the idea of the Doctor becoming younger with each regeneration. If this is what they're going for, then the twelfth could be drinking age, and the thirteenth would probably be a teenager. That'd be pretty interesting.

T · 12 months ago

De-aging as a Progressing theme? So would that mean the planet Galifrey is actually ORK from Mork and Mindy fame as they too "aged backward". Well whatever, until he has to trade the Sonic Screwdriver for a Sonic Pacifier...

Balabanto · 12 months ago

Wow. He's...too poufy.

David Tennant was like the absolute limit of the skinny, poufy Doctor as far as I was concerned.

They really needed someone beefier, maybe even a fat, jolly guy. This was not what I imagined or desired.

Joshi · 12 months ago

Northampton resident right here (was that a good thing to say on the internet?).

Hell, I could have gone to school with this kid, he's only 3 years older than me. But it's doubtful, Northampton's a big town.

Damien · 12 months ago

@Joshi Representing the UK massive =p

I love the hate going round on the internet at the moment surrounding this guy I really don't think its necessary, we need to see him in action first then judge.

Joshi · 12 months ago

Dammit! I just checked his Wikipedia page and it turns out he went to the school that I attempted to and failed to get into twice because they were so damn picky (I didn't live close enough).

Chi · 12 months ago

He IS pretty skinny, but he seems cute enough :) I'm sure as soon as I see him as The Doctor, his looks will skyrocket to total hotness :D

Mike Esposito · 12 months ago

Thanks for telling me I dont get it, because I think a 26yr old playing the part is ridiculous.
Who would have thought that I have spent 30 years watching the show and all along I didnt 'Get it'.
Thanks for pointing that out to me.

TGR Worzel · 12 months ago

Is Matt's middle name John, perchance ?
That would be too good to be true, wouldn't it ?!!!

My initial reaction was that he was too young and the role needed an older person, but I also thought David Tennant was too young and he's turned out to be the best Doctor ever...

So I'll wait and see what Matt does with the role before passing judgement.

It was interesting to see how the BBC made the announcement, doing it in a way that would have dented ITV's ratings for the FA Cup third-round tie between Preston and Liverpool, something that ITV have only recently poached off the BBC...

David · 12 months ago

Everyone seems to be more concerned about this guy's age than weather or not he can act! Being from the colonies, I don't know this guy from Adam, but I am encouraged by the lack of doubt about Smith's ability to become the Doctor.

That being said, I am just as surprised by the choice of such a young guy to fill the roll. To me, it spells almost certainly there will be romance in the air (god, I hope not!) for the good Doctor and his next traveling companion! One of the surest ways to doom a show is to take the tension between two main characters and turn it into a romance. For Doctor Who it would destroy the universe.

Question: Does anyone know who the next Doctor Who companion is going to be?

David · 12 months ago

Sorry Bruce, I didn't read the last paragraph of your article before posting.

Still, anyone have any good ideas of who she could be?

BV · 12 months ago

My only concern with such a young and "fashionable" choice is that writers will be tempted to write endless romantic and sexually charged stories. One of the refreshing things with Doctor Who was the lack of TV romance plots for the most part save for some close calls during Tennants run.

We can only hope they put the new actor in an asexually un-fashionable costume. Short of this I fear that the new direction for Doctor Who will "Gossip Girl" with time travel.

crocky · 12 months ago

lammmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! choice,why does everything have to be a 1st these days!the oldest,the youngest,the hairest,the fattest.poor choice.robert caryle perfect choice.charisma packed,established actor.please reconsider the people of......bbc or whoever

The Big Dentist · 12 months ago

I'd never heard of Matt Smith until the BBC ran an interview with him and some clips of previous things he'd been in, and I have to say I was sold on the spot. Don't let the skinny foppish thing fool you, this is NOT another Peter Davison.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

matt smith has got to be the worst choice ever. haw can enybody relate to a child as the 900 year old time lord ? this is a case of very bad casting. i am a big doctor who fan and have been all my life. i fear that this skinny pale faced ponce will be the deth of the show. i will take this regeneration the same way i did when peter davidson took over from tom baker. switch it off and pretend it does not egsist. and whats with his hair ? what are they thinking ?

Joshi · 12 months ago

Ah sweet internet backlash, how do we love the?

For all those who think this is the worst thing since sliced bread (the nerve of some people... bread that's pre-sliced, against nature it is) is it too much to ask that you guys wait to see his performance as the new doctor before ripping him a new one?

No, of course not. Save for a few of you, the vast majority of people who think he's a bad casting choice will forever be convinced he's a bad Doctor, even if it turns out he isn't and people actually like him. Most of you are already resigned to the fact that he'll be bad and will continue to bash him even if he ends up doing quite well in the role, making up reasons why he's bad and picking his performance apart in ways you've never done to any other doctor because you don't want to admit that you may have once been wrong in your predetermined assessment of an actor in a role you haven't even seen him in yet.

I'm reminded of the backlash against "Blonde Bond" Daniel Craig for Casino Royale... this is pretty much exactly like that "I've been watching Bond for my entire life and this guy will be the worst thing to hit Bond in years! It'll kill the franchise it will!" and what did we get? A rejuvenated franchise (yes, even if the last film wasn't all that good, it was better than all the Brosnan films and Craig's performance was as good as ever).

All I'm saying is, don't resign yourself into believing this is a bad choice until you've actually seen him in action. I'm not saying he'll be perfect for the role, I'm not saying he'll be bad, I'm simply saying no one knows yet.

/rant

Stormy · 12 months ago

Who cares how old he is? The important thing is ACTING ABILITY, not age. Good grief people, get a grip.

Ash Ali · 12 months ago

@ glenn kirkaldy.

How you ask? It's a little thing called, "suspension of disbelief." That's how we're all gonna believe he's a 900 year old Time Lord.

Bruce Simmons · 12 months ago

I do believe the franchise should not be written off by first impressions in production choices such as who plays the Doctor.

My first take was similar in nature... eh? Then thought to myself, well, let's see what they do with it.

The franchise understands what has worked in the past, what worked with this present rendition and we can only hope they retain that formula as they employ whom they think will fulfill that particular set of expectations.

That's why I said some wont get it. It's about a mutating / regenerating time lord. It should not matter what they look like as long as the core of the character remains the same.

I wrote in a different post here on Screen Rant that the Dr Who franchise is famous for reeling in non-scifi fans into the show because of the compelling writing / plot lines. The story telling.

With that in mind, I say we just wait and see. Let's give it a chance.

Thanks for visiting here everyone.
-Bruce

Joshi · 12 months ago

Okay, are so are my comments being posted? Only I'm not seeing them and I spent rather a long time making an idiot of myself by calling everyone else an idiot and I'd like people to see it...

Joshi · 12 months ago

Oh, now it's there and I look like an even bigger idiot. :p

Vic Holtreman · 12 months ago

@Joshi

I don't know why some comments get "flagged" but I do continually check the spam area for valid ones that get caught.

Vic

Joshi · 12 months ago

Cheers, I thought it was maybe due to the length or something. ;)

Joe Bua · 12 months ago

So so so young. I can only imagine that they're gonna cast a 12-year-old companion.

They almost have to, to make this guy look like he has some wisdom.

I would have preferred Paterson Joseph.

http://iamatvjunkie.typepad.com/i_am_a_tv_junki...

Pepe Le Pew · 12 months ago

Hey who really is going to argue with Steven Moffatt who wrote some brilliant episodes.
Not me for sure

foodandart · 12 months ago

Hey, this man might not be so bad.. I just caught some clips of his interview from Confidential. He's got a young face that can go old in a heartbeat and from the little bit I can find, it appears he can act. The Robert Smith big emo hair is a bit over the top for me but he's not started work so until he gets ready to shoot, NO one knows what any part of the production will look like. I'm hoping for shorter hair but beyond that, I'll take what comes and hope it's as good as it's always been!

Deb.

the Lady · 12 months ago

He doesn't look to bad but we'll have to
wait and see if he can be the Doctor
everyone loves. The Doctor now needs to
be young, someone who can grab your hand
and say 'run' like the 9th and 10th docter. :)

crocky · 12 months ago

in 1yrs time when they realised what a poor choice matt smith is.bbc will be glad to announce will be..........frankie muniz(the tit from malcom in middle).or if you dont like that how about someone who is old like sean connery they could mix it up with bond elements,who doctor who.u might laugh now but they might desperate for the ratings.if and i say if...will, matt smith bombs

crocky · 12 months ago

its the hair,that matt smith has that dorky floppy hugh grant hair,if u look at all the doctors they had unique hair.i think the doctor should have a ponytail or a shaved head,tom baker wore the curly afro well that made him,and the cool scarf.floppy hair wont cut it.picky i know but its a sacred thing

David · 12 months ago

Just a thought: How about an older lady, think 'Golden Girls', for the new companion? It could be like 'Harold and Maude' traveling the stars! ;)

TheWasp · 12 months ago

To all the people saying we have no right to an opinion until we've seen him act - is that how you vote during an election? Of course not, sometimes you know instinctively something isn't right!

Now if they were making "Son of Dr Who" for CBeebies, then fine - but he is totally too young for the role of the Doctor himself! What's he going to wear? A hoodie? Hey, there's a thought - change the name to Doctor Whoodie!!!

What I'm getting at is, take Daniel Radcliffe. He is a fine actor and you couldn't imagine anyone else playing Harry Potter - but you sure as hell wouldn't cast him as James Bond!

I've watched the Doc since the mid 60's and been a huge fan. Books, videos, DVDs, audio CD's, magazines, fanzines, American merch, autographs - you name it. But I won't be watching after Tennant leaves.

I don't want to watch "Boy Who" and his Tardis posse, innit....

Joshi · 12 months ago

@TheWasp

I sure as hell hope you don't vote for someone running for election based purely on instinct. And you seem to be basing your misgivings on this guys age, not his ability to act. When it comes to election, people judge the candidates on their personality, their campaign promises, their previous work, age doesn't come into it.

Now granted, were a 26 year old running for prime minister, I'd be a little worried, but since this is nothing more than a part in a TV show, and not the leader of an entire country, and since we actually have no say in the matter, it's the BBC's decision, again, is it really too much to ask that a person wait to see how they do with the role before they judge them?

crocky · 12 months ago

or how about bbc actually ask the fans,the ones who are hardcore if they would like a 26yr old as doctor or someone say that has experience in life.age does make a difference it defines who are in most people eyes.im not saying nor care if hes a actor he still reminds me of hugh grant,mind you if they him up with say drew barrymore mmmmmmm might make it watch worthy.or a 93 yr old grandma to balance out the age thing.i could so get a job at the bbc.

TheWasp · 12 months ago

To answer Joshi - OK, perhaps my political analogy was a little flawed but I stand by the fact that this little lad is honestly, truly, stark staringly too too too young to play the Doctor. It's got nothing to do with his ability to act!

He may well be a great actor - but he'll still come across as a gangly schoolboy playing the part of Dr Who in his school Christmas play however hard he tries.

To many of us who were there from the 60s, this is a step too far. Go back to my Harry Potter analogy then. Would you cast the actors who play Harry or Ron as James Bond? No you would not - and they are both great actors.

Joshi · 12 months ago

It has everything to do with how he can act. You say he'll come across as a gangly schoolboy playing the part of Dr Who in the Christmas Play... and that would be true if he were trying to act like an old man, like various schoolboys find themselves having to do when taking on the role of Joseph in the Nativity Play, or Fagin in Oliver.

But this guy is in a real production and the roles is being written for him, he'll play it as himself. David Tennant never played the role, bent double with a walking stick and fake beard, trying to convince everyone he was 900 years old, he took the character and made it his own, like every single other Doctor has done before him. That's the beauty of Dr Who, he can be played by anyone in any fashion they see fit.

The role has been taken by any number of older actors. I really don't see why people wouldn't at least give a young guy a chance.

Vic Holtreman · 12 months ago

Hey, why doesn't everyone give this guy 3 or 4 episodes and THEN debate his merits or lack thereof? :-)

Vic

Bradley De La Cloche · 12 months ago

Look...Matt Smith doesn't start filming his first series until June, and it won't be shown on TV until Easter next year. Hell, he was only cast 2 weeks ago! YOU COULD AT LEAST WAIT UNTIL HE'S FILMED A FEW BLOODY SECONDS OF FOOTAGE BEFORE YOU TEAR HIM A NEW ONE!

Honestly, some people are never satisfied.

Marie · 12 months ago

Im quite disappointed at the choice of actor. I was hoping for someone more on the lines of DT in age. Why dont they just choose a 19yr old and make the show officially for children?

Damien · 12 months ago

@marie that would be called Sarah Jane Adventures =p

TheWasp · 12 months ago

Exactly, Joshi - he'll play it as himself.... and he is too young!

Charlie Higson's (children's) novels of the young James Bond are totally separate from the main canon. I'm sure they are brilliant - but I'd have no interest in reading them.

Young Sherlock Holmes was a totally different series from it's adult counterpart. As was the Young Indiana Jones Series. Again, they were fine in their own right - but I didn't watch.

"Son of Dr Who" with Matt Smith in the title role would not have offended me in the slightest - but I wouldn't have watched it.

I've never eaten Christmas cake - but I wouldn't like it. I know it contains things I find unpalatable.

I won't be watching Matt Smith as Dr Who for similar reasons. That's my choice. I think you'll find an awful lot of fans from way back are of a similar mind.

I saw him in Ruby in the Smoke - I wasn't over-struck with his acting ability. By contrast I saw David Tennant in Cassanova before he'd been announced as the Doctor and thought he was brilliant.

I just think Moffat is taking the show in a direction that will sadly alienate a lot of older fans. Nothing against Matt Smith, but if that's how Moffat intends to guide the direction of the show then he ought to move it to CBBC, like Sarah Jane.

I honestly don't see many grown ups tuning in, just as they didn't for Merlin.

I notice you still didn't comment on casting Harry Potter or Ron Weasley as James Bond. Mind you, it would be fair to consider either of them for a film based on the young Bond depicted in Higson's novels. Funny that.....

Kurgan · 12 months ago

I have watched Doctor Who since I was a kid and have loved it no matter who the doctor was playted by. I have my favourites just as most everyone has. I loved Tom Baker and Sylvester McCoy for their zany portrayel of him. When the new series sneak peeks and interviews were released before the show started again I was hopeful after having waited since the eighties for the show to return but at the same time very anxious.
Then when the show started I loved it.

The sting came at the end of the "first" season when Christopher Eccleston regenerated into David Tennant. I hated him, the look the voice everythging about him felt wrong and I thought that it would spell the end of my interest but then came the Christmas special and I realised that David Tennant was the best Doctor I had ever seen.

As many others I was appalled at the thought that Tennant was going to leave and when I heard about this young lad taking over my initial reaction was utter revulsion but to be honest my knee jerk reaction towards the best Doctor ever, Tennant of course, was unsubstantiated as soon as he started so I think the best thing to do for myself and every other Doctor Who fan would be to wait and see.

I hope Matt Smith is up to the task and I wish him all the luck in the world.

Stormy · 12 months ago

>>Exactly, Joshi - he’ll play it as himself…. and he is too young!<>I won’t be watching Matt Smith as Dr Who for similar reasons. That’s my choice.<<

You won't be missed. Don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out.

People said the same BS about Catherine Tate. "Oh my god, it's horrible. I'll never watch Doctor Who as long as she's there."

Guess what? They lost out on a wonderful season. And so will you. Enjoy your Celebrity Big Brother or some such garbage.

Joshi · 12 months ago

@TheWasp

That's your prerogative if you so wish, I'm only saying, I don't see the logic in there being so much hate around this casting choice when no one's seen him in the role yet. And I didn't say he'd play it as himself, I'd say he'd make it his own. Young people are perfectly capable of acting older. They may not have the "life experience", but then that's the point of acting, being able to put yourself in the shoes of people far beyond what you've experienced before. People are able to act perfectly in period dramas, or as mentally challenged people, why not a young person acting as if he has the wisdom of ages? Is it really a stretch?

I'm not saying he's going to be the greatest Dr Who in the world, or even that he's going to be that good, if it turns out he's really bad I'll be more than happy to stand up and say "yes, he is bad" but my point now isn't that he's going to be good, all I'm saying is we literally don't know yet and jumping to the conclusion that he'll automatically make the show bad because of his age is somewhat of a premature assessment to make. Perhaps his acting didn't wow you in Ruby in the Smoke, but then maybe the role didn't call for him to be that great. Maybe Dr Who is the break he needs to show people what how well he can or cannot act.

And your Christmas cake analogy doesn't hold much sway either because there are dozens of dishes I thought I'd "never like" and then tried and found them to be quite palatable. But maybe that's just me.

Joshi · 12 months ago

"I notice you still didn’t comment on casting Harry Potter or Ron Weasley as James Bond. Mind you, it would be fair to consider either of them for a film based on the young Bond depicted in Higson’s novels. Funny that….."

I kind of considered it a moot point, I felt you were making a point and you made it, and then I made my point, no need to get too much into the different analogies, but if we must:

Bond and Dr Who are two totally different franchises who use different criteria for their changes in actors. Who actually has a reason behind the changes in looks, age and character, Bond... not so much, so they need to stay within a small niche... and even still, they changed him drastically for Casino Royale, and look how that turned out. Yes, Daniel Radcliffe in the role would be a stretch and I'm sure I'd react in the same way you are now, but the thing is, this is Dr Who, in the realm of Sci fi, I can suspend my disbelief enough to believe that a 900 year old Time Lord can be played by a 26 year old. Bond strives for a little more realism and thus, it would be more difficult to believe Radcliffe as a hardened spy... but that still would say nothing about what I thought of his performance in the role.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

my 9 year old nephew sumed it up as soon as they anounced it on tv. he said. thats not the doctor. hes too young. with a look of horror on his face. i am 36 and been a dr who fanatic all my life but never have i been so discusted with the casting of the doctor as this one. it doesnt matter wether he can act or not. the fact is that this pale faced poncey haird student is not the doctor. not no way not no haw. i dont care what steven moffat says. it looks to me that they have cast him because he is in ther little gang of lovey darling frends. so ther you have it both the young and old fans of the show know that this casting is wrong. in 2010 both me and my nephew will not be watching.

TheWasp · 12 months ago

I'd just like to say that I don't hate anybody...

Because I have expressed my extreme disappointment at this casting, both on this and other forums / chat rooms, I have been accused of "hatred" and subjected to extremely venemous responses.

So what have we learned here then? As Dr Who fans we are totally open-minded on who plays the Doctor, but can turn very nasty on the heretic who says no, actually I don't agree with this...

To Stormy I'd like to say why do you think I'd care whether I'm missed or not? However, if as many people as I've seen suggested don't tune in, I think you'll find we will be missed as a group and the show won't survive low ratings in this cash conscious climate.

Why on earth would you presume that by deciding to not watch Matt Smith I'd watch Celebrity Big Brother? What a bizarre suggestion. I can't stand any of that awful reality / talent / celebrity dross. I've simply decided not to watch a child playing at being Dr Who - I haven't had a lobotomy!

To Joshi - who is someone that CAN hold an intelligent discussion - I have to say that I am right about Christmas cake. Dried fruit makes me barf!

Goodnight all

Stormy · 12 months ago

>>Why on earth would you presume that by deciding to not watch Matt Smith I’d watch Celebrity Big Brother? What a bizarre suggestion. I can’t stand any of that awful reality / talent / celebrity dross. I’ve simply decided not to watch a child playing at being Dr Who - I haven’t had a lobotomy!<<

I base it on the fact that you are going to judge a show based not on actual talent, but based off something so shallow as a person's physical appearance. You're going to ignore the writing, the direction, the acting ability, the artistry, and simply judge it based on the man's young appearance and chronological age.

In other words, you're looking for style over substance, which makes you the perfect audience for Big Brother.

Joshi · 12 months ago

Have you ever just tried dried fruit on its own, they come in little packets, like sweet packets (I'm not going for an analogy here, I'm done arguing, I'm really just asking out of curiosity). I'll agree, Christmas cake is terrible (not only is the fruit dried, but so is the actual cake), but just eating dried fruit is actually quite nice (though I draw the line at prunes).

TheWasp · 12 months ago

No, Stormy - not based on his physical appearance - but yes, based on his chronological age, agreed. Not because he is too young to be a good actor, just becuase his age is in contrast to the standards of such an iconic role

Because this is casting in the same league as asking Johnny Vegas to play Tarzan. You just wouldn't do it, would you - because every fibre of your being knows it's wrong!

Or MacKenzie Crook to play Batman, or Brian Sewel to play Worzel Gummidge, or Lassie to play Black Beauty...

That's not style over substance, that's common sense.

Now I really am signing off....

Stormy · 12 months ago

The comparison between James Bond and the Doctor is a ridiculous one. There is no comparison. One is a man that doesn't really change. You have one set of qualities that Bond is supposed to have, and that's it. The Doctor, on the other hand, is constantly in a state of flux from life to life. He can be an old grump or a young cricket-loving gentleman. He can be a wild beatnik or a stylish fop. He can be a wide-eyed adventurer or a tortured survivor.

He can be almost anything. Bond can't.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

haw is captain jack or sahra jane going to look being in awe of this skinny student. it just can not work. i can not explane just haw depressed i have been since i found out about this missmatch casting. steven mofat will be brillient. the suporting actors will be brillient. the music will be brillient. but matt smith will spoil it. even if he does a good rendision of the doctor it will still just be an impression of him. if you look at him you can see that it is out of his legue to be a 900 year old time lord. its inposible for him. he looks daft stood outside the tardis, it just doesnt look right. i would not have even cast him as one of the doctors companions. ther is an old saying. never send a boy to do a mans job.

Bruce Simmons · 12 months ago

Hey gang, so what I'm hearing is that it's more important who plays the Doctor as opposed to who the creative team is?

The creative team puts out the substance and the actor then translates.

I had the same knee jerk reaction to Tennant and was wrong, so I'm capping myself until the jury is out. I've eaten enough shoe in my day. that's for sure.

-Bruce

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

i have just watched the matt smith interview again for the second time. last week i did not know who he was. but naw. i dispise him. i know its wrong of me to hate somone i dont know. but come on... haw can he be so blindingly stupid to think that he can play the doctor. i hate him. he is going to defecate all over this fantastic program. haw dare he even consider going for an interview for the part let alone exsept it. the worst thing is that us, the true fans cant do a bloody thing about it. if you are reading this matt please please please pull out before you destroy somthing very preciouse to a lot of people.

Stormy · 12 months ago

Well, Glenn...people said the same thing about Catherine Tate. That she would destroy the show and make it unwatchable, and that anyone who thinks she'd do a good job was "stupid".

Guess who was proven wrong.

I love how you think that anyone who is a "true fan" will hate him. That's...cute.

I *am* a true fan. That's why I have faith in the show and the people that run it.

Galtonia · 12 months ago

GO Matt! I can't say I am particularly familiar with his work, but he's got a great face, a fantastic team behind him and I can't wait to see the Doctors new direction.
Frankly I don't care if he looks 100 or 10, I just want to believe that he's just flown in from outer space and really isn't one of us, and I think Matt will carry it off.

And yes, it is wrong to hate somebody you don't know, especially for wanting to do a good job.

lizy · 12 months ago

tbh i was abit worried the next doctor was gonna be horrible but having a younger actor to play him..
of course i will miss david and i take most fans will doing it for 3 series but i reckon matt will do an exceptionally job and im looking forward to seeing who his assistant will be...

EddIE · 12 months ago

give him a chance, i didnT think much of tennant, but i did THInk we WERE GOnna GET a oldER DocTOR, sTE MOFFaT KNOwS what hes doing this guy was cast because he is the doctor he reminds me of a young tom baker personally i cant wait for the eleventh doctor

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

i feal bad for saying i hate him. and of corse i dont realy. i wish him all the best. but i just cant help thinking that he looks wrong and he is far far far too young. i love doctor who. and i think if he was real and i met him and he looked like matt smith i wouldnt want to travel with him. i wouldnt be in awe of him. and he couldnt frighten me if he had a chain saw. i would call him sun shine and young en. not realy the stuff of legends is he ?

Stormy · 12 months ago

>>i feal bad for saying i hate him. and of corse i dont realy. i wish him all the best. but i just cant help thinking that he looks wrong and he is far far far too young. i love doctor who. and i think if he was real and i met him and he looked like matt smith i wouldnt want to travel with him. i wouldnt be in awe of him. and he couldnt frighten me if he had a chain saw. i would call him sun shine and young en. not realy the stuff of legends is he ?<<

How would you know? You haven't seen this Doctor in action yet. I wouldn't exactly have been awed if Patrick Troughton's Doctor had approached me, but after watching him, I would have been impressed.

I hate having to use this comparison, but I needed an example of a character even younger. Okay...Harry Potter (the character, not Daniel Radcliffe). If he approached me, I wouldn't think much of him, but after watching him take on some nasty things as brilliantly as he does in the movies, I *would* be impressed. I'd be even *more* impressed that a kid so young could accomplish that much.

This is a cliche, but things tend to be cliche for a reason, but anyway...never judge a book by it's cover.

But sure, stop watching if you wish. Your loss.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

patrick troughton was a man. when a man tells you he is angry and is going to stop you. you listen. when a boy tells you he is mad and is going to stop you. you give him a slap and put him in his place.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

espesualy one that looks like matt smith

Stormy · 12 months ago

Right, now you've only proven that you're not worth discussing this with you anymore.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

i take it that i am right then ?

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

stormy... i dont want to sound like a brute. i can tell you are a big fan of doctor who like me. and i hope matt proves me wrong. but to me he is not the doctor. i have a very good emagination. but it can only be stretched so far. he does not have the fisicle prawess to have eny orthority over grown ups. they are turning it in to a slopy teenage show like holioaks. and i cant stand shows like that.

Stormy · 12 months ago

>>i take it that i am right then ?<<

No, it means you've shown you can't discuss the manner without being rude and insulting to a man you don't even know.

Can you express your reservations without making nasty comments about his appearance, or about slapping people?

Vic Holtreman · 12 months ago

On that note...

Folks, I realize this is a topic you're passionate about - but it IS possible to discuss and disagree without getting nasty. I've been monitoring this thread and it's on the hairy edge of my stepping in and actively moderating it.

Disagree, but be civil about it.

Vic

Bradley De La Cloche · 12 months ago

If Moffat thinks Smith can pull it off, that's good enough for me. After all, he's the same man who brought us "The Empty Child", "The Girl in the Fireplace", "Blink", "Time Crash" and "Silence in the Library". What could possibly go wrong?

Bradley De La Cloche · 12 months ago

And that's not sarcasm, by the way. There's seriously nothing to worry about.

Stormy · 12 months ago

I believe you. Even if I hadn't already seen this guy before I knew he was cast, I have faith in the Moff.

Amanda · 12 months ago

I am so disappointed in this new younger Doctor. I'm a hard-core fan, from back in the sixties. Christopher Eccleston was just in the radar. Before Tennant, Peter Davison was the youngest Doctor, and even he was pushing the age limit. I don't like how the New Who is so focused on the sexual tension aspect of Doctor Who. That wasn't the point of the original series. "Doctor Who" the original series was purely "Science Fiction", but the New Who has been put into the "Sci-Fi Drama" genre.

I hope to see a path back to the old Doctor Who, where the Doctor is the wise, fatherly/professor type to show the few special humans what a wonderful and terrible place the universe can be.

Also, the Valeyard is supposed to make his debut at the end, and I just can't see a young man playing that part, especially since the Valeyard was back on Gallifrey with the Master.

TheWasp · 12 months ago

Even the Daily Telegraph has joined in - asking for opinions from its readers.

Of the 32 comments so far there are only 2 in favour - many of them are far more vitriolic than me!

A very high number of people have said they won't be tuning in in 2010. Never mind the Telegraph readers, apparantly the BBC took a very high number of calls and emails complaining.

This is the point I was trying to make yesterday. Whatever the rights or wrongs of casting Matt Smith and irrespective of whether you as fans would watch if the Doctor regenerated into Basil Brush - it MUST appeal to the casual viewer. The fans alone don't create big enough ratings. If they did - it wouldn't have been cancelled in 1989.

You can't FORCE people to watch or to "give the boy a chance to do a man's job".

I simply don't want to watch Matt Smith as Doctor Who and won't do so. I'm certainly not alone. So, Stormy, perhaps I might be missed after all...

Also I disagree with this tired old argument that the Doctor can become anyone / anything. That's only true within the 45 year old established paramaters of the show. The casting of Matt Smith not just breaks those paramaters it sticks two fingers up at them. THAT'S why people are so upset.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/4...

Stormy · 12 months ago

Honestly, this is the only place I've seen that is so overwhelmingly and hatefully against him.

We'll see how it goes in 2010. I've heard the arguments before about other actors playing various roles in the show, and it always seems to come out fine, or more than fine.

"Oh my god, they're putting a pop star in as the Doctor's companion? It's going to be a disaster!" And look at Billie now.

"Ugh! Don't bring Donna back, she was so annoying. The show will be destroyed!" Yeah...that happened, huh?

Bradley De La Cloche · 12 months ago

That's right, Stormy. And it's not exclusive to Doctor Who either. I mean, back in 1989, people were up in arms when Tim Burton cast Michael Keaton as Batman, and they thought he'd act just like he did in comedy films like "Mister Mom" and "Night Shift". He didn't. In fact, he did a really great job at playing a dark, tormented superhero, and made Adam West's Batman look even stupider than he already did.

Going further back, when Sean Connery was cast as James Bond in 1962, people thought that a hard, working-class, football-playing Scotsman wouldn't be able to play an upper-class British secret agent. He could. When "Dr. No" came out, audiences took to him instantly, and he went on to star in 6 more Bond films (including "Never Say Never Again").

Fandom is always full of people who are resistant to change, and the Doctor Who fanbase is no exception. These people always refuse to give a new actor or actress a chance, regardless of whether or not they're faithful to the role, or even if they simply do a good job. And even when they turn out to be extremely good at their job, you'll still get a few people who stubbornly refuse to admit they were wrong, and they continue to piss on everybody's parade.

This has been happening far too often with Whovians lately, and it's one of the main reasons I don't post on Outpost Gallifrey any more. Every time some kind of change takes place in the series (from the lead actor to the kind of paper RTD prints the scripts out on), they all start moaning, bitching, crying, screaming, shouting, swearing, fighting, flaming and sulking. IN THAT ORDER. And it never, ever stops.

You people seriously need a reality check if you think that casting a man who's a couple of years younger than Peter Davison was in 1981 is going to 'destroy the series'.

/rant

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

stormy. i am not saying that i want to slap matt smith. what i am saying is that a young boy talking down to grown ups is unatractive rude and anoying. and eny girly haired foppy student that does. weather he is the doctor or not will not be met with a good responce. matt smith is not the doctor. and ther for should respectfully pull out of the roll.

TheWasp · 12 months ago

You know what - I'm weary of all this now....

To the touchy subjects of politics, religion, and musical taste we now have to add Doctor Who. Whatever your viewpoint is on any of these subjects there will always be people who just won't give your opinion any merit - its too emotive and personal to each of us.

I'll never convince you - and you'll never convince me.

I'm leaving the debate now. I intend to enjoy 2009's episodes of Doctor Who. At this point in time it is STILL the best, most exciting, most innovative science fiction drama in the history of British Television (and IMHO better than any of the crop of US stuff as well).

My issues with the program are a full year and a quarter away and I don't want to spoil what's left with pointless debate.

I hope you are all correct. I hope you find Matt Smith to be a truly wonderful Doctor and I honestly do hope it goes from strength to strength - because I don't want the show to end - it's been one of the highlights of my life. I watch at least one episode and listen to at least one audio every single week!

I have every intention of returning to the fold if and when the show continues into the Doctor's 12 incarnation - pending casting decision :)


For the record - I've never objected to ANY casting decision in the show's history. I championed both Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy when others sharpened their knives.

I DID raise an eyebrow when Bonnie Langford was cast as a companion - but that was all and I thought she did a pretty fine job as Melanie Bush.

For me to feel so strongly on this occasion should be demonstration enough then of how wrong I fee the casting to be.

As I say - I hope I'm wrong and I hope you all enjoy it. I'm sure in every other respect we'd all get along like a house on fire. But I still don't want to watch when Matt Smith takes over. That doesn't make me wrong. And it doesn't mean I'm going to miss out in any shape or form.

Oh....by the way I really, really, really, really HATE football......

Farewell

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

stormy i know that people have had mixed opinions in the past about martha and donna. but they wear just suporting actors. it didnt matter wether they worked out or not. but what we are talking about hear is the doctor. the be all and end all of the show. you get that wrong and the show will die. and another thing stormy. this is the only place that i have read coments that are in favor of matt smith playing the doctor. so i dont know wher you have been surfing.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

it apears to me that the only people that are in favor of matt smith becoming the doctor are kids in the 12 to 15 age groop. so as far as i am conserned ther 0pinion is not to be taken serious at all.

Bradley De La Cloche · 12 months ago

With all due respect, Glenn, you're talking bollocks. I'm 18, and I don't have any problem with him at all.

Hating an actor is one thing, but using sweeping generalizations to support your arguments is another.

Bradley De La Cloche · 12 months ago

And you said that children's opinions shouldn't be taken seriously...this coming from the man who says HIS YOUNG NEPHEW IS THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY ON DECIDING WHO SHOULD (OR SHOULDN'T) PLAY THE DOCTOR.


*SIGH*

Vic Holtreman · 12 months ago

@Bradley De La Cloche

"Bollocks." I love that word... Don't ask me why. :-P

Vic

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

sorry 12 to 18 year olds then.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

bradley i do not hate matt smith. i am sure he is a nice kid. but he is not doctor who. not no way. not no haw. i hate the fact that he even thinks that he can play him. he must be void of shame. i feal embarassed for him.

Galtonia · 12 months ago

I'm 34 and all in favour of Mr Smith, so I'm afraid that Glenns sentiment is, to use the popular word, bollocks.

And he's 26, he's not a kid. But you know what, lets just wait and see what he delivers, and then we can all make an INFORMED comment about his abilities.

Shelley · 12 months ago

Very very disappointed with the new casting of Dr who.. what on earth are they thinking about? I agree with everything Glenn says. Far far too young. Seeing him stood outside the tardis looks like a student having their picture took at the Blackpool exhibition. Infact i myself have a photo of me stood outside the tardis,and i look more like a time lord than he does!!

Amanda · 12 months ago

I'm 21, which isn't much older than 18, I suppose, but I'm enough of an adult to know that sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised. I do hope that this is one of those times.

I hope that Matt Smith has every success as the Doctor, and that he proves all of us who think he might not be appropriate for the role wrong. I would never wish that anyone flop in their acting, because that would harm the entire show.

The thing is, if you can't argue your position like an adult, no matter if you're fifteen or fifty, you shouldn't be on a discussion forum, as you have no real skill in "discussing" anything.

Personally, I don't think there's anything that could keep me from watching Doctor Who, even if I don't agree with the casting, because as a true fan, I *want* to be proven wrong about Mr. Smith. I want him to shove it in our faces with his amazing skills. That's what being the Doctor is about. Each actor brings something different to the legend; he gives the Doctor's character some new facet that no other person could. You might have your favorites, I know I do (*Tom Baker*), but the show would be dearly boring if all the actors were the same. It wouldn't have lasted fourty-five years if it didn't have that special brand of variety.

I agree with The Wasp. I will definitely be watching for the final Doctor, as the whole Valeyard mystery has been keeping me on edge since I saw the Master claim him to be the Doctor. If BBC doens't incorporate that, I'll have lost all faith in them, but I'll still tune in. That is the one role I don't think a younger man *can* play. Other than that, have at it. Surprise us and be fantastic!

P.S. Oh, and Glen, if you're going to argue so passionately and so absolutely, would you please at least use proper grammar and punctuation. Your run-on sentences with no capitolization makes you seem like a child having a tantrum.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

well said shelley. i think if we all boycott the show in 2010 like i am going to. then they will have to listen to us. and hopefully kill him off. then we can look forward to the 12th doctor. and as for steven moffat. he has gone down in my estimation. he is not the genius we all thought he was after this terible choise of actor to play the doctor.

glenn kirkaldy · 12 months ago

amanda. i have a right to my opinion... i am dislecsic by the way and am triying. not used to complaining . but this i feal very pasionate about.

Amanda · 12 months ago

Boycotting anything only makes you look childish, and nobody will take you seriously. If you want to make a difference, send them a letter. It won't do any good, because they've already made their choice, but if it'll make you feel better, go right ahead.

Bradley De La Cloche · 12 months ago

After reading some of the childish bile that's being spewed from the haters' throats, I dread to think what their reaction would be if Moffat picked a woman or a black man to play the Doctor.

Get some perspective.

Shelley · 11 months ago

So what you're saying Amanda is we should shut up and put up (especially if you cant spell).. Im sure they is no need to insult people who have a right to a opinion. We aren't saying Matt Smith isn't a nice person, we are saying "HE ISN'T THE DOCTOR" and some of us feel very strongly about this. We don't need a 21 yr old girl who's eaten a dictionary for breakfast telling us to shut up. Please play nicely.

glenn kirkaldy · 11 months ago

amanda. Sending them a letter is pointless. I am boycotting the show because i will never ever recognise a small skinny poncey haird student as the doctor. I will find it inposible to watch. So ther for i am not going to watch. And yes i am not going to give him a chance to prove otherwise. As far as i am consered. Ther is no 11th doctor.

glenn kirkaldy · 11 months ago

bradley.I was shocked to hear that the doctor could be a woman. But i would rather have a woman play doctor who than matt smith. And i loved the thought of the doctor being a black guy. Infact i was convinced that the 11th doctor would be black. Why does everyone think i am full of hate just because i think matt smith is wrong for the part ?

Vic Holtreman · 11 months ago

To everyone:

I am getting very, very close to shutting down comments on this post. I don't like it when things get out of hand and personal - I don't do it often but I just did it on another post and if people don't ease up I'll shut this one down as well.

Vic Holtreman, Owner and Editor-in-Chief of this site.

Galtonia · 11 months ago

I feel that it might be worth pointing out that if everyone boycots Doctor WHo for the next series, then the show will be pulled off the air, and there will be no 12th doctor. What a spectacular own goal that would be.

However I have every confidence that it will be a massive success, and will no doubt gather many new fans to compensate for those people not prepared to give t a chance.

Stormy · 11 months ago

>>So what you’re saying Amanda is we should shut up and put up (especially if you cant spell).. Im sure they is no need to insult people who have a right to a opinion. We aren’t saying Matt Smith isn’t a nice person, we are saying “HE ISN’T THE DOCTOR” and some of us feel very strongly about this. We don’t need a 21 yr old girl who’s eaten a dictionary for breakfast telling us to shut up. Please play nicely.<<

Something tells me you've only been reading some of the comments posted here.

Ady · 11 months ago

Well i have to say after reading all these comments that's it's obviously turned into a highly emotive subject....strong opinions on both sides of the space time continuum....(had to get that in somewhere) I do however have to agree with Glen on this. He's just not gonna be taken seriously.....I don't even think it is his ages (though he does look young) I think he just looks a complete twat (Sorry for the use of profanity but saw the use of bollox earlier and thought it'd be ok....) I recognise the guy from a few things so he's not a complete unknown, however he doesn't look a very credible Dr now does he? There are several actors out there that would have been far more suitable. Just think the BBC casting has buggered up on this one. Oh and if Matt reads this....no offence.....I'm sure you're a really nice guy....lol

Bradley De La Cloche · 11 months ago

I'm not suggesting that at all, Glenn. I'm just pointing out that some of the more hardcore Whovians might take those kind of casting decisions a lot worse than, say, a slightly younger white male. Trust me, I used to post on a Doctor Who forum.

But I digress. You don't want to watch Smith's Doctor? Fine. The BBC aren't forcing you to. You just need to put this all into perspective. It's not the end of the world, you know!

glenn kirkaldy · 11 months ago

Not the end of the world Bradley. Just the end of doctor who.. I know its just a program. And yes i am going a bit too far. I am sorry if i have upset enyone. But the fact of the matter is.I have never complained about enything before. At least not enough to wright about it on a web site. Maybe that gives you an insight in to how dismayed i am at this choice of person to play the next doctor. And by the looks of it i am not alone in this train of repulsion at matt smith.

Stormy · 11 months ago

Repulsion, Glenn? Really, don't you think you're overreacting just a tad?

Cheri · 11 months ago

I'm 36 and have been a fan of Doctor Who since the '80's and even though David is my favorite. I'll watch just because I'm an overall fan of the show. Matt Smith wasn't my first choice but I'm willing to give him a chance and reserve judgement until after I've seen him in the show and see what he can do with the role. As for age, David is 37 and he's 26, that's only an 11 year age difference. It's not as if David's 80 and he's 20. I've known some people younger than 26 who have had a lot of wisdom and acted more mature than they were. IMO, Matt showed alot of courage to take on the role since I'm sure alot of people didn't want to try to follow David.

And I agree about the uproar for Michael Keaton as Batman and Daniel Craig as Bond. The same thing applied to Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man or Liv Tyler as Arwen or Elijah Wood as Frodo. I remember when people said the Lord of the Rings was gonna be ruined by the casting choices and people quickly changed their minds when Fellowship of the Ring came out not to mention Return of the King won the oscar for Best Picture.

Just give the poor guy a chance, will you? The man is stepping into a role that is iconic and beloved by many people and i'm betting it's nervewracking enough at the moment just trying to figure out what his Doctor's personality is going to be without all this venom directed at him. He's human being and has emotions like the rest of us and I'm sure it's upsetting for him to read and hear comments about how much people hate and despise him for being the Doctor when he hasn't even filmed a single episode yet.

Stormy · 11 months ago

Well said, Cheri. :)

And you're right about other actors having reservations about filling David's shoes. James Nesbitt himself said that it would be career suicide to try to follow David.

Also, to put an even smaller age difference into the mix, Peter Davison (the Fifth Doctor for all you youngins ;)) was only three or four years older than Matt is right now. I say three or four because some people say he was 29 and some say he was 30. And in my opinion, Peter Davison was one of the best Doctors. Not to mention he had the extremely hard job of following in the footsteps of an incredibly popular Doctor in the form of Tom Baker.

I dunno, maybe I'm a bit more protective of him than I might have been otherwise because I knew who he was ages before David even announced he was leaving, let alone when Matt was announced as his successor, and thought he was a great actor, but I fully agree that it's just not fair to be quite so nasty about being disappointed. I mean, I absolutely did *not* think Paterson Joseph would have made a good Doctor at all (he doesn't seem to have the acting style for it, IMO), but I wouldn't have said such nasty things about him if he got the part. I'd give him a shot because I trust the Moff, who had a huge hand in the casting.

Cheri · 11 months ago

I knew someone said it would be career suicide but I didn't know it was James Nesbitt, thanks for that. :)

I'm in America and I haven't seen any of Patterson Joseph's work. My personal choice was Ioan Gruffudd because I've been a fan of his since the first Fantastic Four movie and I've loved the other movies I've seen him in but I knew that was kind of a longshot. lol! ;)

Peter's my second favorite Doctor and I agree. He had some really big shoes to fill as well and I'm sure he was nervous trying to take on the role after him but he did an excellent job IMO. But like I said if you're taking on this iconic a role there is always going to be naysayers because everyone has an idea in their head of who they'd want to see in the role but sometimes the dark horse candidate you least suspect of being able to handle the role can turn around and surprise you and it's happened time and time again.

I wish the guy the best of luck. From what I've seen, he seems like a nice enough guy and this is the opportunity of a lifetime for him and I really do hope he is a success and this opens up more opportuinites for him like it has done for David . He has acting ability from what I've seen of him in clips and you're right, it's not just him, it's Steven and all the other writers who will write the scripts and produce and edit the shows. I have faith in the people running the show. He must have proven himself enough to be chosen since this is Steven's baby now and I'm sure they went through a long screening process before he picked him. I'll be sad to see David go but we all knew this day was coming just like it came for every other actor who played him. I just hope he stays awhile in the role because they're going through Doctor's fast and if he only has 13 lives, they're gonna have to find a way to get around that or the show will end in a few years.

John · 11 months ago

I think people are forgetting that the casting of the Doctor (or any casting for that matter) cannot be definitively good or bad, right or wrong. Its a matter of a opinion. I don't like this casting choice and don't expect Smith will be able to win me over. Thats not a knee-jerk reaction, It's my carefully considered opinion based on my assesment of his acting ability and suitability for the part. I will not 'make up reasons why he's bad' to prove myself right JOSHI, because I cannot BE right, or wrong. It's my opinion, I don't think it's definitive but I'm entitled to it and I'll likely stick to it.

Joshi · 11 months ago

Whoa, okay, no need to bring me into this, I just said it might be a good idea if people waited to see him in action as the Doctor before deciding, but obviously I was wrong.

Stormy · 11 months ago

No, you weren't wrong, Joshi. Most people who slag him off have not seen anything he's been in at all. Those that have seen his previous work and aren't impressed, well, at least they made their decision based on something more tangible than "he doesn't look right".

The only time someone's wrong in this sort of discussion is the person who claims authority in a subject they've never researched. And research is more than just looking at an interview and having a reaction.

I'm glad John can make his opinion known without making inflammatory comments. I don't agree with him, but at least I can respect his opinion, because he's earned it.

Joshi · 11 months ago

Honestly I've got no notion to start another argument on this. If people want to believe I was right or wrong with whatever I said, I'm fine with that.

darkbhudda · 11 months ago

At first I was disappointed
Then I saw the interview and got excited.

Tennant has been a very exuberant and youthful Doctor. I suspect they may swing the other way and go with a serious Doctor, maybe with a bit of daredevil in him due to youth. Hmm, elements of the Third Doctor perhaps?

Amanda · 11 months ago

Shelly: I didn't say to shut up or put up, did I? I said that acting like a child and playing the boycott card isn't going to do anything. Matt Smith *is* the Doctor, and you're only hurting yourself by not watching. It's your choice, but know that it isn't going to "show" them that you disprove. I'm glad you're expressing your opinion. That's what makes this forum so interesting.

And I didn't "eat a dictionary for breakfast", I studied the English Language intensely at college for four years. That you even say something like that proves my point. Ranting and raving is petty and unnecessary. My problem with spelling is that often on forums like this, you'll find pre-teenagers who are shouting and obnoxious rather than civlilized, and usually, grammar is an indicator. Obviously, that's not Glenn's case, and I didn't say anything further, did I? Please don't imply that I'm somehow prejudiced against Dyslexics, because that would make me quite the hypocrite.

Saying "Matt Smith is NOT THE DOCTOR" is ridiculous, because he obviously IS. I don't like their choice any more than you do, but I'm willing to wait and see how it turns out. I have seen Smith in "Diary of a Call Girl", and he was pretty good. It's just a matter of time.

When Tennant started Doctor Who, he'd only ever been in one major project, Casanova, which Davies was involved in, too. He proved himself right off. Who's to say that Smith won't be a smiliar case?

Ash Ali · 11 months ago

@ Vic

It's probably best you go ahead and shut down the comments for this article. It's clear most here cannot control themselves. It's probably the best course of action.

Joshi · 11 months ago

I really agree with Ash Ali.

Bruce Simmons · 11 months ago

Folks:

We are obviously pretty impassioned about this choice of actor for the role. Obviously first impressions are pretty important to everyone.

It is what it is. I have never seen what Smith can do, so I am in a holding pattern about the actor.

BUT LET'S KEEP THIS TO OPINIONS ON THE ISSUE and NOT EACH OTHER.

Thanks gang. -Bruce

glenn kirkaldy · 11 months ago

At least we will still have torchwood to watch untill they kill off the 11th doctor.

Sam · 11 months ago

Congratulations Matt Smith!! I look forward to seeing you as the 11th Doctor [as some of you out there are too]!

John · 11 months ago

...is this a chatroom?

adi_israel · 11 months ago

in hebrew:
דיויד הוא השחקן הכי טוב לדוקטור הו..!!
אף אחד לא יכול לקחת את המקום שלו בלב שלי...
דיויד אני אוהבת אותך!!!
in english:

david tennant is the best actor to play the doctor..!! Nobody can take his place in my hart...
david i love you!!

Kris · 11 months ago

ive loved davids time as doc. i couldnt care less if he carried on being the doctor till he looks like that wierd old little version of him self in "the sound of drums". hehe

but i know he will leave which is a shame but i know one thing. when i first saw christopher ecleston on the billboard around town as the new doc, i instantly thought "naaa-whos this guy-hell be awful"-i watched it and loved it!

i hated that he was gonna leave for this skinny david tennant bloke who id never heard of!!!
i watched tennant and the rest is history! hes a legend!

i can only predict, im gonna watch this guy and im gonna love it :D

Stefania · 11 months ago

There will be no better Doctor than David Tennant, he had everything the sex appeals, the wordiness, the voice, the movements, the style. David was truly amazing as that character and it's going to be heart breaking to see him in the last episode. It is going to be hard to fill his shoes actually I mean chucks. Oh there is nothing better than seeing a man in a nice pair of chucks.
I loved you as the Doctor David, good luck with all your future endeavors whatever they may be. And to ease the pain I will go watch some shoes with you in it.
Gotta love ya xx

nathan · 11 months ago

this guy is a great actor
i have seen him in shows before and he is good
yes he is young but so what
i think evryone should stop fussing about his age give him a chance for god sake
and 26 is not that young

Thandrale · 11 months ago

I think physical appearance is just about as important to a character like The Dr. as acting ability.

All the best Drs had unusual looks and the worst were handsome leading man types.

This guy looks a little too male modelish to suit me.

lauren. · 11 months ago

well. i dont care what everyone else says. i like him :) and his hair is cool.
(:

gindy · 11 months ago

i just want to tel everybody that this boy who is going to be the new doctor is too young and he looks like he cud do with a gud hair cut and a good wash if he is the new dr who then i will not be watchin him al boycott it until he regenarates .... its a very bad chose an bbc will regreat it

glenn · 11 months ago

I hope the first show with the 11th doctor goes like this. David tenent regenerates in to matt smith. He looks in the mirror and says oh no im a twatt. He then turns to captain jack and asks him to help.Captain jack pulls out his revolver and blows his head off. He regenarates back in to a man. [one we can all relate to]. He then thanks jack. The show goes on to be a sucksess and everyone is happy. The end.

Joshi · 11 months ago

Okay, I can kind of understand reservations about his age, but are the personal comments about a guy you don't even know even slightly necessary?

Prema · 11 months ago

I only became a regular viewer of Doctor Who when David Tennant took over the role. He has the right blend of "egolessness", wisdom and playfulness. Matt Smith does not come across as having those qualities. He looks like the writers were trying for a "Twilight" look (ugh!---the teen-age vampire appeal), which will not appeal to the older, regular, loyal viewers. I think Matt Smith was not the right choice to replace Tennant. It's possible that the writers will be going for a more "sexualized" version of the Doctor, but that does not seem in keeping with the refreshing appeal of a non-sexual, more asexual Doctor Who.

I do wish Matt Smith luck, but judging from his interview that I've watched, it won't be a program that I eagerly look forward to watching. Smith seems a bit too "full of himself" to portray the wise, pure, good egoless Doctor.

lotte · 11 months ago

i am reli gonna miss david tennent and the eyes he had they just didnt blink they were awsom and he was awsom 2 play the doctor ....but matt smith he has got the same eyes as david so i think he will make a reli good docor and allthough he is only youg he still has exspiriance

John · 11 months ago

Lol sorry Joshi, didn't mean to make things personal. It's just frustrating that a lot of people seem to tar all us nay-sayers with the same brush.
I admit I did take an instant dislike to Smith, but then I calmed down and decided to weigh the pros and cons and look at some of his work. Unfortunately that sinking feeling only got deeper. The more I rationalised my doubts the more I disliked him (in the part, that is, I'm sure he's a nice guy and an ok actor). HOPE he wins me over, and if he doesn't I hope he's at least a generally good Doctor that other people enjoy watching :)

Joshi · 11 months ago

Hence why I said most naysayers would act that way, not all. ;)

But again, I have no interest in starting a new argument here, so we'll just leave it as is.

Blayze Kohime · 11 months ago

I think I can trust that if the show's writers are so incredibly sold on him, he must be a good fit for the part.

who1000 · 11 months ago

i am so so sad that david tennent is leaveing!! but im looking forad to seeing the next doctor who!!!!!!!!

walter · 11 months ago

I'm tired of the character rose. She doesn't need to return. NEVER.

Goonfady · 11 months ago

Matt Smith! I still think this is some sort of joke or deception by the production team. The casting is just silly. I may be wrong. I may just be living in with my head in the sand.

In short I think he is wrong. I will watch his first episode in case i'm wrong (I'm open minded) But if its no good. Goodbye Doctor who from my weekend TV slot.

Isha Messmer · 11 months ago

I'll reserve my judgment to after seeing a few episodes with this actor. To be honest, I was tentative when Tennant took over, not due to his age but due to his over-the-top dramatic style. But then, he grew into the role and the role quite literally grew around him; I ended up loving his portrayal.

As for the new guys young looks, I feel it can be used to lead us into a number of different plots. Remember, as fans, we know the Doctor; we know who and what he is, what he can do and where he has been (and where he has still got to go.)

Some people ask “How can a young man be a 900 year old legendary, universe saving, cursed, time lord?” Maybe that’s going to be The Question of this incarnation. In a sense the Doctor will have to prove himself not only to those he meets but to his potential companions and finally, I suspect, to himself.

Obviously I could be giving too much credit to this choice and it could have been a simple case of someone very high up at the BBC making a choice based on “what sells.” But either way, with the right writing and production, this could be a choice that is good for the series. Or it could be a total florp. Again, we’ll see.

Finally, I do hope that the writers do not turn this into a teen drama. I’m 2 years older than this man and I’m in no mood to watch whole seasons of romantic subplots, at least not more then what has occurred during the last Doctors portrayal. Situations that struck a good balance.

As for the new guys young looks, I feel it can be used to lead us into a number of different plots. Remember, as fans, we know the Doctor we know who and what he is, what he can do and where he has been. Some people ask “How can a young man be a 900 year old legendary, universe saving, cursed, time lord? Maybe that’s going to be The Question of this incarnation. In a sense the Doctor will have to prove himself not only to those he meets but to his potential companions and again to himself more so than before. Obviously I could be giving too much credit to this choice and it could have been a simple case of someone very high up at the BBC making a choice based on “what sells.” But either way, with the right writing and production, this could be a choice that is good for the series. Or it could be a total florp.

I do hope that the writers do not turn this into a teen drama. I’m 2 years older than this man and I’m in no mood to watch romantic plot lines, at least not more then what has occurred during the last Doctors portrayal.

Isha Messmer · 11 months ago

Damn double edit/copy/paste. Oops. Ignore everything after "good balance" :P

Dawn · 11 months ago

I love the show & will give this new Dr. Who a chance. Must say though, I do hope the BBC can spring for some eyebrows for Mr. Smith before they start filming. Hopefully he'll look a bit less like an Edward Scissorhands look-a-like once makeup has finished with him. He should definitely keep the glasses on at all times. Yikes!

TheWasp · 10 months ago

OK - I thought I should give his acting abililty a second shot since every one was having a go at me a few weeks ago. So I have tried the first two episodes of Moses Jones in which Matt plays the embarrassingly young looking detective called Twentyman.

Oh dear.... oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

Stormy · 10 months ago

Moses Jones on the whole has not been a good show. Convoluted plot, stilted dialogue..bleh. Get your hands on some episodes of Party Animals. That would be a better show to judge him off of.

glenn · 10 months ago

I watched the first episode of moses jones. Not my sort of show realy, but wanted to see if matt smith was eny good. And to try and see if ther was eny evidence of him being able to play the doctor.....NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO... I think the bbc are having us on.

Stormy · 10 months ago

Oh, no no no. Moses Jones is a TERRIBLE show to judge him by. The script is atrocious.

Keddan · 10 months ago

Chi Said: "He IS pretty skinny, but he seems cute enough :) I’m sure as soon as I see him as The Doctor, his looks will skyrocket to total hotness :D"


This is exactly why Matt Smith shouldn't have been cast. Who makes the casting decisions for Doctor Who these days? A 15 year old school girl with hearts for eyes.

Absolutely ridiculous choice. Enough. Can this sad sack and cast Robert Carlyle.

Stormy · 10 months ago

>>Who makes the casting decisions for Doctor Who these days?<<

Steven Moffat. One of the greatest writers Doctor Who has ever had, and someone who knows far more than you do about this.