Doctor Who: Matt Lucas Discusses Nardole Then vs Now and More
By Leah Tedesco
Matt Lucas is having a great time continuing in the role of Nardole in Series Ten of Doctor Who. Things have changed for the character, both in his personality and in his dynamic with the Doctor.
In a recent interview with Brian Truitt of USA Today, Matt Lucas reflects on a time before he was cast as Nardole. He says that he was not “angling to get a part for Doctor Who,” but rather that “it was a curveball for [him] because [he] was writing [his] own stuff and doing little comedy shows.” After being in last year’s Doctor Who Christmas special, ‘The Husbands of River Song,’ however, he was quite keen on returning to the show to reprise the role.
Well, the actor got his wish, as he will be a regular in Series Ten starting with the upcoming Christmas special, ‘The Return of Doctor Mysterio.’ He especially appreciates the enthusiasm of younger Whovians because they are the future of the fandom.
His co-star, Peter Capaldi, recently told Digital Spy that Nardole is “slightly more complex” than he was in last year’s adventure, and that “there’s a real chemistry between him and the Doctor.”
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In the USA Today interview, Lucas talks about how Nardole has evolved since last we saw him. To start with, he is “just a little bit calmer and a bit less shouty.” Instead, he has become very inquisitive, a trait which Lucas thinks will be especially relatable to kids. In addition to this, “very occasionally when you’re least expecting it, [Nardole] says something really clever.”
Getting “to run down a corridor and say, ‘There’s a rescue ship on the way.'” was one of Lucas’ favorite moments during filming. He is also excited that Nardole gets to learn how to operate the TARDIS. The actor acknowledges how rare it is for him to be a part of “big sci-fi drama[s].”
He also discusses how the special is an homage to classic “Christopher Reeve Superman movies: slightly slower pace, slightly more innocent and more charming as well.” He had seen them when he was a child, but did not have dreams of becoming a hero such as Superman, or the Doctor. Instead, he wanted to be ones of a much less traditional nature — Howard the Duck and R2-D2.
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