Unknown Actor Cast as the New Dr. Who, One of the UK's Biggest TV Roles
Filed under: TV News > Anglophilia
Matt Smith, a small-bit TV player, has been cast as the UK's new Dr. Who.
Dr. Who is a super popular science fiction television series produced by the BBC. The show follows the adventures of a mysterious alien time-traveller known as "the Doctor" who travels in his space and time-ship, the TARDIS.
The current Who, David Tennant, is leaving the show because…. Well, for no good reason. He just thought it was "time to go."
A BBC insider revealed to the Brit media, “This is a massive decision. The future of Doctor Who rests on his shoulders. But we’re confident Matt has what it takes to become a star. He’s young, good-looking — everything you want in a Doctor.”
What do you Dr. Who fans think about this casting choice?
Mini Madonna Wants to Be a Thespian
He looks like a fukin vampire, so I like him, he's filthy/
I will soooooo miss David Tennant as The Doctor, but will continue to watch one of my favorite shows of all time. As long as they have plenty of Torchwood crossovers (wink wink) I will be happy. So does this mean NO more Rose? hmmm That may be OK, but keep Martha Jones and of course Captain Jack!
is this show still going? how many times can you be attacked by rabid space invaders and manic robots
Oh, I hope that is a bad picture, because he looks UGLY in that one!
P.S. Manchurian Candidate rules your world, Perezito!
No one can replace David Tennant. He's amazing!
fuk, i'm first again..not bending..heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Who cares
wheres my bloody comment???????
i want the original crazy hair 70's guy back………that show was classic!
First watch and then judge.
He is ugly and looks like a girl!! THIS CASTING SUCK!
ill repeat it then, david tennant is a pretty tough act to follow but i dont think hed have got the role if he wasnt great, im looking forward to seeing what david tennants got lined up as well
he's so fucking hot. I think he'll do the character justice. though, david tennant will always be my favorite doctor.
hate doctor who so I don't give a shit. Same thing happens every week yet people here seem to love it…
he looks like a potato head topped with an elvis quiff
clearly the bbc has no taste.
Re: BBBoricua loves Angels & Demons – perez is losing his touch if im here giving him is stories lol
I think judgements should be withheld until he has actually started. Tennant still has a load more specials to do before he takes over.
As long as they keep making Dr. Who, it's all good.
I think he is going to be great. I watched the doctor who confidential where they announced Matt Smith, and you can already tell he's going to be pretty wonderful.
I think he is a lil faffie. Just thought I'd put that out there. Har har har. Christmas spesh was a little bit of a let down I thought, not that great to be honest!!!!!!!!!!
I know some Tenants from Ohio, wonder if they're related, hot men.
Re: The Mancunian Candidate – You have to demand a commission from him!
David Tennant is fantastic in the role and it's a hard act to follow - my initial thoughts - this guy isn't right - he looks wrong in so many ways.
This is very surprising! Tennant was a big Doctor Who fan growing up and this was his dream role. Plus the BBC offered him a very lucrative contract if he returned in 2010. Well we'll have to wait and see if this Matt Smith guy can carry this thing.
David Tennant will be a hard act to follow, I do hope he's good though.
Re: ElizaJonas – yeah it wasnt up to the standard of some of the others. IMHO 'blink' and 'tooth and claw' were the best episodes since 2005
I'm excited about it. Brand new direction for the show. Completely unexpected casting choice. The last two Doctors have been brilliant.
And also, the character's name isn't "Doctor Who". He's just "The Doctor." The title, "Doctor Who" comes from the recurring joke that he introduces himself as "The Doctor" and people reply, "Doctor Who?" to which he responds "Just the Doctor."
well, we'll see. Let's give him a chance..
Will miss David Tennant.
I likes him…I likes him lots……
It wasn't hard to adjust to the new dr. when tennent took over, so I will see how quickly I take to this one. The changing of the dr. happens, so the viewers just adjust with the show - each new dr. brings a different personality to the character - it makes the show not get stale to have the actor change from time to time. This new one looks good so far - can't wait to see him in action!
He's going to have to be pretty good to match David Tennant. Wish him well though, he's got a good look to him.
He wouldn't have gotten cast if Moffat didn't think he could do it…and it's better that it's some small-name actor rather than someone like Billie Piper or John Simm.
I feel sorry for him replacing Tennant, there's going to be a lot of people judging him because David's doctor was so loved. but I'll watch him before judging his performance.
I think he'll do a great job though.
Dr. Who is based on fact
I will watch and then judge, but no one can replace Tennant, he was the perfect Doctor. Plus, is that dude wearing black jeans? I hope he has a better costume as the doctor.
I don't think it gets any better than David Tennant, but I'll give this guy a chance- maybe he'll surprise me. I'll miss David Tennant!!!
Re: SheriMoonZombie – Yeah kinda nicking the old black t shirt and jacket bit Twilight ish but very very cool
Will wait till see 1st eps to make up mind
This guy looks like Frankenstein..TD is way better. GROSS GROSS GROSS
good looking? are you kidding me?!
i dont even watch dr who so i dont actually care
but damnnn he is hella ugly :/
Looks like a morph between Lyle Lovett and Randy Travis
I'm a die-hard Doctor Who fan, and absolutely adore David Tennant. I will miss him tremendously when he departs for other avenues. However, I trust Steven Moffett. The "new guard" at the show wouldn't have given this unknown name a chance if they didn't believe in his abilities. After all, I was very upset when Christopher Eccleston left, but was willing to give David Tennant time to prove himself…which he definitely did. So, as long as the stories are well-written, Mr. Smith here has my support. (And for all of you troglodytes posting your inane comments, please just stick to "American Idol" and leave the intelligent shows to those of us with more than a 2nd grade education.)
PERVez doesn't really want anybody's opinion, he just wants a reason to get him on this site because he wants to get into his pants.
Re: ShameAboutRaisins – i agree, i was totally anti-tennant when christopher eccleston left and now i love him. no one likes the new doctor to begin with
With regards to costume comments any fans of the show will know the black t shirt and black jacket combo was worn by Chris Eccleston long before Twilight.
David Tennant will be very hard to follow, but i think he seems right for it. he kinda looks like a vamp. hot!
Well I can't say I'm to happy about this. I saw some of his stuff and it doesn't seem he has what it takes, but then again I disliked David Tennant at first too and even though I Think Christopher Eccleston is the best doctor in the new series I hope this smith guy will prove me wrong.
gosh I really want them to bring the master back!
I really liked Tennant - seems kind of dumb to leave for him. I didn't know who any of the new ones were (I liked the first new one, I used to watch the old re-runs when I was a tot) - This guy looks good hope he can act
I am more interested in who the new companion is.
He's fine, Kinda cute, smart, but I don't think he can take the place of David.
David was a great 10th doctor. I'm crying because he's going at the start
of 2010. :\
Who cares about the doctor. It's the butt ugly women he travels with that need replacing.
ooooh he's gorgeous i say. my friends are hardcore who fans so theyre in love with david tennant. idk.
i like him and definitely will catch the doctor whenever he's on in the US!
I don't think David Tennant can be replaced
But I'm willing to give him a chance.
Okay don't get me wrong… I likes me a sexy sexy Doctor. Even Eccleston did me right. However, I'm a little sad because I'm not 14. I don't find Zac efron or Robert Patterson or any of those people attractive. I'm not a memaw either, but jesus. He looks like he's 18! even at 23 I'm like "mmm… no."
I had hoped the Robert Carlyle rumors were true. Now THAT would have been a Doctor. Maybe not exactly look wise for some, but my god that man can ACT.
I never thought anyone could replace Christopher Eccleston (and no one really can!), but I grew to love David Tennant as the Doctor. I thought Tennant was way too young at the time and I believe that Matt Smith is WAY too young for the role, but, as always, I'll give him a chance. I've been a Doctor Who fan since I was little - Tom Baker will always be "MY Doctor", but we'll see…hopefully RT.Davies is picking this guy based on potential talent as opposed to "a pretty young thing". I like older men so it's going to feel really weird to see this KID as a 900+ year old Timelord.
am so excited re Matt being the new Doctor… saw him in "Swimming with Sharks" with Christian Slater last year and he was AMAZING… role on Spring 2010!!!!
mmm Capt Jack!
Sure, I'll give this guy a chance. Can't wait to see the new eps with Moffat at the helm
Re: chicketieboo – id hoped the james mcavoy rumours were true, that would have been amazing!
OK…..only two more reincarnations until the series is over.
Only 13 doctors allowed unless you want to make excuses.
I trust Moffet's decision, but honestly… we'll have to wait and see. I think this Matt Smtih needs a haircut.
I'm still missing Eccleston. Tennant never completely won me over, but even I have to admit he was good. This is a plum role for British actors — I'd never heard of Eccleston or Tennant either before they played the Doctor. Hope Matt Smith is up to the task.
David Tennant is sexy! I will definitely miss him as the Doctor
Re: petiteCobaye –
RTD did not chose Matt Smith. Davies is completely out of the Dr. Who loop at this point. This choice was made by Steven Moffett and the new group of folks that will be running the show. And while I agree that he does look rather young (having that "Twilight" 14-yr-old-fangirl appeal), Moffett has stated that he chose Smith because of that very reason…Smith has the face of a young man, but can portray the soul and character of a very old, wisened Time Lord. If they pull it off, it could be a very interesting take on the role. Give them the benefit of the doubt…you might just enjoy it.
every generation has its favorite doctor, ours is David, I think we should give him a change. Also he might really grow on us and bring something new to the table so I can't wait.
theyve already choosen the new doctor who!!!!!
and its NOT him!! the show aired on christmas day!!
you will be able to find all the news on youtube from months agoo!! of the 'new' doctor who!
Re: broadwaygal328 – Actualy my fave (and quite a few of my friends) was Eccleston. We're mere Americans though, so I'm sure that's not the consensus:D Especially considering David's potter fanbase. He did well with it, though. I'll give him that.
Just glad Catherine Tate is gone, to be honest.
I like him
He's unusually sexy 
And he was excited and funny on Doc Who Confidential. I will miss David Tennant so much though!
Dr Who commits suicide!
This no-talent twit will bury the show.
Couldn't they afford a quality actor?
I'll give him a chance, he may be good.
But I'll miss David Tennant
I'm sure he'll have prefect teeth and smile.
I wanted David Morressy
All you people bitching about this new guy being a "nobody" has to remember that David Tennant was pretty much a nobody when he was cast.
You have to understand that Dr Who is an institution in the UK and the decision on who takes on the role is massive - everyone in the UK has their 'own' Dr Who according to how old they are- personally, I'm so old that Tom Baker is 'my'Dr Who but I loved David Tennant and I have already taken an irrational dislike to Matt Smith but I wish him luck - he has a hard act to follow.
Tom Baker and David Tennant are my fave Doctors… I don't know about this one, though. We'll see.
I will miss him! Love Dr. Who!
Hmm my vote is for gorgeous.
it took me an hour two to finally have it settle in. but, truthfully, i think this guy will do some good. 10 always had this crazy energy about him, and now 11 is all youthful. i think this guy will do amazing.
funny, tho…he was in ruby in the smoke with billie piper…who was the doc's companion.
i guess we have to just wait and see wether he makes a good doctor or not. since nobody's heard of him, how can we know how good he's gonna be?
Re: The Mancunian Candidate –
WTF, FOR REALZ? I had NO FUCKING IDEA…. *DROOL*
he's hott, and he kinda looks like a vampire in that pic, yummy!
Re: thAtSHoT! –
Um did you watch the Xmas special? It was pretty clear by the end of it that Morrisey wasn't the next Doctor Who.
peter davison was MY doctor. i really liked david tennant also. this new one looks promising, he definitely has the hot factor
gotta wait and see how he does in 2010
When ever i think of Doctor Who I only think of Delia Derbyshire and the Radiophonics workshop at the BBC and how it had huge part in the creation of modern electronic music.
Re: SheriMoonZombie –
he had to change his name because the actors union that he joined already had a david mcdonald.
so his real name is david mcdonald
Re: Doom –
not really.
he was in blackpool and casanova..
Re: ginmax – Re: FornitSomeFornus –
you and i both.
nine will always be my doctor :]
I think a lot of people will stop watching Dr Who if he's the new Dr. He's ugly! David Tennant is gorgeous, and he just made the Doctor so quirky and fun, I never watched Dr Who until David Tennant was the Dr, and now that he's leaving, I don't think I'll watch it again.
Well. He looks okay. He might look better with a different hairstyle though. Too much Twilight going on for my liking and I hate Twilight but love Dr Who. It looks like they wanted Rob Pattinson but knew they couldn't have him.
With regards to Matt's acting talent, there's no question about it he is talented but looking at his acting credits, he has worked with Billie Piper three times and his casting as the Doctor shouldn't have been such a surprise.
But if the writers and the producers are genuinely excited about him then we shouldn't be worried right? If Steven Moffat is excited about this then it must be a good thing.
Having seen the interview with Matt, he seems to know what he's talking about but he does have a huge act to follow. All the best to him, he's going to need it.
Well, he sorta looks like a Tranny, but, althought I liked David Tennant to start off with, I didn't think he was all that good-looking until I fell for his Dr.'s personality and realized that he himself is just like that too…that turned him into a hunk for me. That being said, I'm gonna give the new kid a chance to wow me with his interpretation. Maybe I'll get used to his face too.
hmmmm, maybe….. but my love will always be for David. I can't imagine anyone doing it as well as he does. I hate the BBC they need to pay people more and also bring back TORCHWOOD !!
I think he's beautiful. He looks like that doctor.