Hugh Grant trends on social media as rumors suggest that the actor is in talks to become the next Doctor Who star. The role of the Doctor has been played by Jodie Whittaker since she took over from Peter Capaldi in 2017, when Chris Chibnall’s time as showrunner also began. After three seasons as the time-traveling Gallifreyan, the actor is set to bow out with the last of a set of specials releasing at the end of 2022.
The end of Whittaker’s tenure as The Doctor has invited inevitable speculation as to who will be taking on the iconic role next. Adding more complexity and pressure to the casting is the equally important news that Doctor Who’s current showrunner, Chibnall, will also be stepping down. This will result in the return of Russell T Davies, who will be taking on the responsibility for the show once again after his time as the showrunner between 2005 (when the show was revived) and 2010. The change means that Davies will have the final say on the casting of the 14th doctor, which has added fuel to the internet rumors about Whittaker’s replacement.
Now, a new report surfaces has Doctor Who fans sounding off on social media. The Mirror has reported that Grant is in talks to replace Whittaker, citing only unnamed TV sources, and with the lack of any official confirmation, the tabloid's conclusions should be taken with a generous pinch of salt. Nevertheless, the report has sparked a significant reaction among the show’s audience, causing Grant to trend on Twitter. Check out some of the many reactions to the casting rumor below:
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The reactions to the Doctor Who casting rumor are a mixed bag, as is to be expected with any speculation for the beloved character. Many fans seem to be content with the idea of Grant as the Doctor, but there are plenty who would be eager for the show to continue its break from the string of white male leads. Lots of fans took the opportunity to cast doubt on the rumors, referencing the fact that the actor has been linked to the role before.
The speculation places Grant among other actors who have worked with Davies before and been floated as potential Doctors, such as Olly Alexander, T’Nia Miller, Lydia West, and even ex-Doctor Who star David Tennant. While the rumors are unsubstantiated and haven’t been corroborated by any official sources, Grant’s name carries a lot of weight, and the star power of the show’s next lead will be something that Davies considers as takes on the show’s declining ratings. However, despite his pedigree, Grant’s casting would far from guarantee Doctor Who’s future success - that will ultimately depend on its supporting characters, boldness of vision, and the strength of the show’s writing.
Source: The Mirror/Twitter (see links)