Chris Chibnall weighs in on the whole “Doctor Who should be a woman” debate and his answer might not be one you like.
Chris Chibnall gave an interview to the East Anglican Daily Times about his new play, Worst Wedding Ever. Although he was mostly there to talk theatre and drama, the interviewer couldn’t help but sneak in a question or two about Doctor Who.
Since Peter Capalidi announced he’ll be leaving Doctor Who after the Christmas Special, speculation has spread like wildfire. There’s been a whole lot of talk about whether or not the new Doctor should be a woman. Many fans think it’s long over due, while others are worried about disrupting the original intentions of the show.
Chibnall, although reluctant to offer a straightforward answer about casting a woman for the thirteenth doctor, he was succinct in his answer. He told the EADT, “I can honestly say that nothing has yet been decided. I haven’t got my feet under the table yet. I have been working on the play and I am still finishing the latest series of Broadchurch.”
Although he resists in coming down on one side of the debate or the other, his answers reveal which way he’s leaning. He said, “Nothing is ruled out but I don’t want the casting to be a gimmick and that’s all I can say.”
Although many don’t think casting a woman could be considered a “gimmick” Chibnall’s comments reveal a hint about his feelings on the matter.
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The casting decisions for Doctor Who have traditionally only included heterosexual, white men. A lot of critics and fans of the show are calling for Chibnall to expand the reach of the show to find a Doctor who is a little more diverse.
While Chibnall hasn’t really said he won’t cast a woman, this interview might indicate that he won’t. Using words like “gimmick” doesn’t seem very promising for fans hoping to see something other than a white cismale Doctor.