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Whittaker, herself, stated, "I'm beyond excited to begin this epic journey … It's more than an honour to play the Doctor [...] It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what you're told you can and can't be."[4]
Peter Capaldi, Whittaker's predecessor, has full confidence that "she's going to be a fantastic Doctor". "Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker's work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part."[4] Capaldi had previously expressed that he wants the next actor to take the role to finally be a woman.[7]
In an interview with Doctor Who Magazine, Whittaker stated that the new incarnation will not fundamentally change the character of the Doctor, saying: "It's a brand new body, and the body happens to be female."[8]
In an interview with Rolling Stone on 5 September 2017, Whittaker said that: "As a young girl, I did not think that 'Time Lord' would ever be on my CV." and went on to discuss genders: "I’m playing an alien and gender is not a part of that. A moment like this of being the first woman cast as something, it makes you really think about your sex, whereas actually what you want to do is play a part where your gender is irrelevant. I am a woman, so I don't need to play that. And so for me, this was the most freeing experience because there's no right or wrong way to do it. The rules went out the window."[9]
On 22 October 2017, it was revealed that Whittaker would be joined by Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole in the TARDIS, as well as Sharon D Clarke joining the show as a "returning role". The BBC said in a statement: "New head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall, who made the decision to cast the first ever woman in the iconic role, is also shaking up who will travel with the Doctor in [the TARDIS], with a team of new characters", at the same time also confirming that the new series will run through 10 weeks, with 50 minutes each episode and kicking off with a feature length opener.[10]
Series 11 will also mark the switch of special effects team with Milk VFX's last duties being on the preceding Christmas special Twice Upon a Time, handing over the job to Double Negative, whose previous work can be found on Blade Runner 2049, Interstellar, Inception, with more.[11]
A teaser was released on 21 February 2018, the new logo was designed by the LittleHawk agency following Chris Chibnall and Matt Strevens' directions while the music and sound effects were done by Matthew Herbert.[12]Cast
- The Doctor - Jodie Whittaker
- Graham - Bradley Walsh[10]
- Yasmin - Mandip Gill[10]
- Ryan - Tosin Cole[10]
Recurring
Production
Producers
Chris Chibnall and Matt Strevens will co-executive produce.[23] They were later joined by Sam Hoyle.[24] Nikki Wilson will return as a producer.[25] Alex Mercer will also be a producer.[26]
Filming
Jodie Whittaker used the codename "The Clooney", a reference to George Clooney, when discussing her role.[27]
Directing
Jamie Childs directed the trailer that revealed Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.[28] He will also be directing the opening block for this series[29] consisting of episodes 1 and 7, and will also direct episode 9 and 10.[30]
Sallie Aprahamian will direct the third filming block[26] consisting of episode 4 and 6.[30]
Mark Tonderai will direct episodes 2 and 3.[31]
Jennifer Perrott will direct episodes 5 and 8.[30]