How long is Jodie Whittaker planning to stick around in Doctor Who? As revealed in a recent interview, she’s not going anywhere just yet…
How long will someone play the Doctor for? That’s the first question every actor who’s played the Doctor gets asked. From the moment they’re cast in the role, both the press and fans are wondering how long they’ll intend to stay.
A popular variation of this question to ask is: do they intend to stay as long as Tom Baker did? At seven seasons, Tom Baker still remains as the longest running Doctor. Of course, that’s considerably longer than how most Doctors tend to last. With a few exceptions, such as Jon Pertwee, Colin Baker and Christopher Eccleston, most Doctors tend to play the role for approximately three seasons.
Naturally, the same has been true of current Doctor Jodie Whittaker. How long does she intend to stay? At the very least, can we expect one more season of her as the Thirteenth Doctor? To the latter question at least, we have an answer.
In a recent interview with EW, Jodie Whittaker has confirmed that she’s staying for Series 13.
"Yes, I’m doing another season. That might be a massive exclusive that I’m not supposed to say, but it’s unhelpful for me to say [I don’t know] because it would be a massive lie! [Laughs] I absolutely adore it. At some point, these shoes are going to be handed on, but it’s not yet. I’m clinging on tight!"
Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor has developed considerably over time. An additional series can only help with that development.
Photo Credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/BBC America
Further potential
It’s great to see that Jodie’s still hugely passionate about the role, and clearly cares a great deal about it. To really make the role of the Doctor work, a lot of passion and a lot of energy is required for the part, so the fact that she’s still enthusiastic is a great sign.
Personally speaking, I’m glad that Whittaker is doing one more series as Thirteen. While she’s not my favorite Doctor, I do think we’re starting to see more sides to her in Series 12.
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In Series 11, she was good, but her characterization felt rather light, especially compared to David Tennant’s or Peter Capaldi’s Doctors. We all love a Doctor who’s quirky or eccentric, but we also tend to love the hidden depths, as well.
With Series 12, we’re starting to see those depths. Whether it’s facing her oldest enemy or seeing the destruction of her home world, we’re starting to get a deeper sense of Whittaker’s Doctor. I think a third season at least will develop and explore those depths even further. We don’t know if she’ll choose to stay past that, but at least we know she’s sticking around for a while yet.
Plus, it has to be said: a thirteenth series with the Thirteenth Doctor just sounds fitting.
Are you glad that Jodie Whittaker will be staying around for a while as Thirteen? Disappointed that we won’t be seeing a new take on the role anytime soon? Let us know in the comments below.