Doctor Who could be exploring their own version of the Multiverse of Madness with their latest casting addition. Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney has just been cast in the role of Rose Tyler.
Rose Tyler was originally played by the one and only Billie Piper. She was the companion to Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor and then David Tennant’s Doctor Tenth. It’s unclear why this role has been recast, but I’m beginning to think it has nothing to do with Piper being replaced. Former showrunner Russell T Davies is set to return and take over the show as soon as Jodie Whittaker’s reign as the Thirteenth Doctor comes to an end, and it’s already clear that he has some big ideas in mind.
As Variety points out, the idea of different actors playing the same character is hardly new for the series; the Doctor changes actors every few years. I have no idea what’s going on with Rose, but between time travel, multiple dimensions, and whatever other sci-fi stuff the new episodes will explore, I’m sure there’s an explanation forthcoming.
There is a new Rose Tyler in Doctor Who
Davies did make a statement about the new casting, but it doesn’t tell us much. “Life on Doctor Who gets bright and wilder, how can there be another Rose?” he asked. “You’ll find out in 2023, but it’s an absolute joy to welcome Yasmin to the Doctor Who set.”
Leave it to Davies to give us absolutely zero information on something that could have huge implications. And this is just one of many exciting things that have been going on with Doctor Who lately. We finally know who will play the Fourteenth Doctor (welcome, Ncuti Gatwa), and just over the weekend, it was announced that David Tennant and Catherine Tate, aka the Tenth Doctor and his companion Donna, will also be returning to the series for the 60th anniversary special.
All I know is that I simply cannot wait to find out what is going on; 2023 can not come soon enough!
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h/t AV Club