Jodie Whittaker, renowned as the first woman to take on the role of the Doctor in the beloved BBC series Doctor Who, has opened up about her time on the show and the backlash she encountered during her tenure. Whittaker, who portrayed the Thirteenth Doctor from 2018 to 2022, found herself facing toxic criticism as she navigated the challenges of bringing new life to the iconic character.
Reflecting on her experience, Whittaker stated, "It was a noisy few [people]. Rage is always really loud — compliments are much quieter." This observation highlights the stark difference between the vocal minority who criticized her casting and the many fans who celebrated it. Despite her achievements as the Doctor, Whittaker felt intense pressure not only to perform well but also to pave the way for future actors beyond the traditional mold.
Whittaker's announcement as the new Doctor on July 14, 2017, created both excitement and controversy. While many fans and former Doctors supported her, including notable names like David Tennant and Christopher Eccleston, there was also significant backlash. Many fans dubbed her casting as part of the supposed wave of 'wokeness' overtaking beloved franchises. This criticism often became personal, directed by those who felt threatened by changes to the long-standing tradition of the character being played by white male actors.
Throughout her run, which included 31 episodes and three series, Whittaker was acutely aware of those who believed she would set back progress for women in acting. She confessed, "If Peter [Capaldi] hadn’t been good as the Doctor, it would only have reflected on him. Whereas I felt if I wasn’t very good at this, I’ve f***ed it for other actors." It's heartbreaking to think the pressure Whittaker felt was compounded by the idea of being responsible for future opportunities for women.
Her character's popularity mixed with controversy reached new heights during her final episodes. Whittaker’s portrayal also witnessed the introduction of new female characters, including the Fugitive Doctor, played by Jo Martin, and set the stage for Ncuti Gatwa, who will succeed her as the Fifteenth Doctor. Whittaker articulated clear frustration with the suggestions from some male fans who argued they could not look up to a female Doctor, saying, "It’s never been questioned I had to look up to men. So it was fascinating for some, we [women] could not be role models. The Doctor is still the Doctor. But also, I was playing an alien! My gender was not the issue."
To cope with the negativity, Whittaker chose to stay away from social media, making it clear she wouldn’t let online disdain tarnish her experience. "No one can hide behind a nasty tweet because I’ll never read it," she stated. This approach served as her armor against the loud criticism she was bound to face. Admiring the fans who approached her, she shared, "It’s nice for me if people are still massive fans, because it means I didn’t kill it."
Whittaker’s era on Doctor Who coincided with broader discussions around gender representation not only within the series but also across entertainment media. Following the GamerGate controversy and the debates surrounding female representation, Whittaker’s casting ignited fierce discussions online. The BBC even found itself compelled to defend her casting amid sexist backlash. While ratings may have fluctuated, the discussions surrounding the show suggest the larger cultural tides are shifting rather than simply blaming the series’ fate on its characters’ identities.
Recent speculations about the future of Doctor Who have circulated, with some attributing the decline of ratings to the inclusiveness represented by Whittaker and Gatwa. The truth, as Whittaker herself noted, is more nuanced. Ratings had already started to dip during the tenure of her predecessor, Peter Capaldi. Now, on the 20th anniversary of the show's revival, Whittaker posits the series may simply need some time away to allow fans to reconnect with old memories.
Looking back, Whittaker hopes future generations will appreciate her incarnation of the Doctor, remarking, "Maybe in ten years, Whittaker will likely be looked back on as fondly by the young kids who were first introduced to Doctor Who through her series as her predecessors before her." Her optimism points to the idea of the Doctor as not just one person's vision but rather the sum of all those who have had the privilege of portraying this beloved character. Whittaker closes her remarks, reflecting on her excitement for the future of the show and its endless possibilities. "The Doctor is meant to regenerate, just as the world and society do. But all the Doctors are valid!"