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Doctor Who Showrunner Dismisses “Wokeness” Concerns
Russell T Davies, the showrunner for the iconic science fiction series Doctor Who, has firmly responded to critics labeling the program as excessively “woke.” Davies addressed concerns from detractors online who disapprove of the show’s increasingly inclusive casting choices.
Showrunner Responds to “Online Warriors”
In a recent interview with BBC Radio 2, Davies, aged 61, directly targeted individuals who voice objections to the program’s diverse casting decisions. Notably, in 2023, Ncuti Gatwa, became the first Black actor to embody the role of The Doctor, succeeding performers like David Tennant, in the long-established British sci-fi television show.
The latest season premiere of Doctor Who saw Gatwa, 32, joined by Varada Sethu, also 32, a newcomer to the series, in the role of The Doctor’s newest companion. This casting decision marks a milestone, representing the first instance where both leading roles in the series are portrayed by actors of color.
“Individuals consistently raise the topic of diversity,” Davies commented during his BBC Radio 2 appearance. “And there are vocal critics online accusing us of promoting diversity and wokeness, and injecting agendas and issues. I have no patience for this. Not even for a moment.”
He elaborated, “What some might term diversity, I simply perceive as opening doors. We widen an entrance, and there is the world, and you take it all in, your lungs expand with the atmosphere, and it’s invigorating and fresh, and there’s a whole universe before you! There’s a bright sky, there are clouds, and sounds, birds singing, people debating.”
“Somewhere, someone is dancing, elsewhere someone is in disagreement. That’s the essence of writing, to incorporate that entire world. Some people might just partially open a window,” he noted.
“Remain confined to your limited perspective. Here, we have a grand, open doorway, and you know those individuals who were dancing? Now everyone is dancing, and it’s magnificent. That is the optimal place to be.”
Authenticity Through Representation
Davies views his commitment to representation as integral to genuine storytelling.
“That is reality, and I believe it’s the definitive method for writing,” he expressed. “I contend that limiting oneself to a restricted viewpoint is more challenging. That is fundamentally why. Why constrain yourself? Why inhale toxic fumes? Why be detrimental? Join us where vibrancy, illumination, freshness, and sound thrive.”
Casting Decisions: “A Big Open Door”
Davies, also the creator of “Queer as Folk” and “It’s a Sin,” previously indicated that casting Sethu was an obvious choice.
“That was the quickest affirmation imaginable,” he mentioned to Entertainment Weekly earlier this month. “I recall sending an email, not only to my immediate colleagues but also to the BBC and Disney+—the responses were virtually instantaneous, affirmative on all fronts. We were all captivated by her. Hence, it was genuinely among the simplest casting processes we’ve ever encountered. Delightful.”
Praise for Ncuti Gatwa’s Performance
Regarding Gatwa, the showrunner voiced immense admiration.
“He is dynamic. He is an actor without boundaries,” Davies stated. “He is a source of joy. He is a powerful presence. I truly believe he is a significant force for positive change, and it is a pleasure to collaborate with him, to provide him with scripts that will showcase his extensive talents under the brightest spotlight, with maximum attention and prominence. I believe we are representing him well.”