It is difficult to imagine someone remaining in the role of the Doctor as long as Tom Baker did. After all, Baker was the Doctor for an astonishing seven years before eventually moving on of his own accord. Given the transient nature of Doctor Who, it seems improbable that anyone could possibly challenge for that mark.
Yet, if any actor is going to attempt to take over the mantle for the longest serving Doctor, it may well be Peter Capaldi. Capaldi did grow up as a Whovian himself, and considered playing the Doctor as his dream role. For him, this dream managed to come true.
That fandom, and the fulfillment of his life long dream, certainly explain why Capaldi has taken to the role with the panache that he has. He has had different homages to classical Doctors, while making the role his own. We have all seen the video that Peter Capaldi made for a young fan who lost his grandmother, letting him know that he is not alone. He has been continually available for interviews and for various fan outreach programs for Doctor Who. It is easy to see that Doctor Who is not just another role for Capaldi.
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Of course, this is not to say that being the Doctor was just another role for the previous actors who portrayed our favorite Time Lord. Both David Tennant and Matt Smith certainly did their part in the promotion and expansion of Doctor Who throughout the world. However, with Capaldi, this is more than just another role – this is the fulfillment of his life’s goal. Doctor Who, and being the Doctor, is not a stepping stone.
Perhaps this is why it is difficult to imagine Peter Capaldi leaving the role of the Doctor. Yes, this will only be his second season in the role, but he has taken on the part of the Doctor seemingly full time. Any projects that Capaldi is working on all seem Doctor Who related. Right now, the Doctor appears to be Capaldi’s life.
And for this, we should all be grateful. Peter Capaldi, a Doctor Who fan for his entire life, has finally gotten to take on a role that he has coveted for decades. Chances are, unless Capaldi is forced off the TARDIS, he will remain in this role for a long time. That would certainly be great news for Whovians everywhere.