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Talk of a female Doctor taking over the TARDIS has been rumbling for many years now, and it’s certainly a divisive argument. With the departure of Peter Capalidi from Doctor Who now imminent, talk of his successor is building, with seemingly a new name listed as favorite every week. While many assume a female Doctor won’t be appointed this time around, it’s something that could well be considered in the future.
One name that frequently crops up among a list of possible female Doctors, is Hayley Atwell. Famed for playing Agent Peggy Carter in Marvel’s Agent Carter, Atwell has made no secret of the fact that she thinks a woman running the TARDIS would be a good thing, but would she ever take on the role herself? Speaking at Heroes and Villains Fanfest in London, Atwell emphatically denied she’d ever play the Doctor, but added that she knows who would be great in the role:
“I don’t want to play it. No. It’s just not my thing, but I really respect it. I’m a big fan of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, though. She plays the lead in Fleabag. There were talks of her being the next Doctor, and she’s so funny and eccentric and unique; she’d be great. I can’t really see anyone other than her playing it.”
Waller-Bridge has made a name for herself starring in the critically acclaimed Fleabag, in which she stars as the titular character. She also wrote the show, and as Atwell points out, she delivers a unique and comedic take on life in London. She won a BAFTA for her performance.
Whether a female Doctor will ever actually come to fruition, remains to be seen, but an ability to play comedy seems to be an attribute that many would wish to see in any actress cast. Other actresses that fans have said they’d like to see in the role include Olivia Colman, Jennifer Saunders, and Tilda Swinton. However, while nothing has been confirmed thus far, it seems almost certain that a male will succeed Capaldi as the Doctor. Kris Marshall was strongly rumored to take over, following his departure from Death in Paradise, but recent reports also have also listed Iron Fist actor Sacha Dhawan and Fortitude star Luke Treadaway as possibles.
With Doctor Who season ten already halfway through, it surely can’t be too long until the thirteenth Doctor is confirmed.
Doctor Who season 10 continues on Saturdays on BBC 1 and BBC America
Featured Image: Marvel
