Is that Beyoncé playing on the TARDIS Jukebox?
Ever since Freema Agyeman debuted as the Tenth Doctor’s companion Martha Jones, I’ve wondered if we’d ever get a Black Doctor WHO. Could the show, with over 60 years of history, dare to make that leap? I figured it was just wishful thinking until we met the Fugitive Doctor WHO Ruth, played by Jo Martin, during Jodie Whittaker’s reign as the Thirteenth Doctor. But sadly, Ruth disappeared as quickly as she arrived, leaving me hoping once more.
That is until Ncuti Gatwa was announced as the Fifteenth Doctor, making his grand entrance in the first-ever “bi-generation” of the Doctor WHO during the 2023 Christmas special where he splits in two with David Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor. Since then, it’s been wonderful to witness the excitement and anticipation building for this historic new era of the show.
Last week, I had the privilege of joining a virtual press conference with showrunner Russell T Davies, Gatwa, and Millie Gibson, who portrays the Doctor’s new companion Ruby Sunday. We were also treated to a sneak peek of the first three episodes of the season, but don’t worry, I won’t be spoiling anything here!
When the pair were asked about what songs are on the TARDIS jukebox, Millie and Gatwa excitedly shared that the prop team had made some fun choices. Britney Spears’ “Toxic” was one of the tracks that appeared, but Ncuti shared that he thinks Beyoncé’s “Alien Superstar” would be in regular rotation on the Fifteenth Doctor’s playlist. Davies also teased that the Doctor Who theme song plays from the jukebox at the start of an upcoming episode.” you can all debate forever whether it’s actually happening [in the story].” I can’t wait to hear the fan theories on that one.
Davies spoke about how he approached writing for this new Doctor, highlighting Gatwa’s emotional intelligence and expressiveness as a perfect match for the Doctor in 2024. “Ncuti wears emotions so wildly and beautifully,” Davies gushed. “[He] can do emotion on an epic scale and [he] can do the intimate.”
Davies also touched on striving for balance in this new era, honoring the classic feel of Doctor Who while pushing the boundaries and keeping things fresh. “It’s 2024, it’s time to rip up the rules,” he declared. “It’s time to throw things out the window.”
One of the things that appears to have gotten tossed is the Master. “The Master? Nope,” Davies said with a grin. “We have lots of new villains coming up and there’s no room for that lovely old character. Maybe one day, but no plans yet.”
From flying pianos to space babies, even without the Master, this season is packed with crazy moments. When asked about working with actual infants on set, Gatwa couldn’t contain his laughter. “They are so cute, but… Divas!” Millie chimed in, “I remember there was a scene where I had to give them a really sad speech. The babies were so absorbed in [what was going on], the only thing that could get them to listen to me was playing a nursery rhyme on my phone!”
I wrapped up by asking Gatwa what he would say if the Fifteenth Doctor met the Fugitive Doctor. His heartfelt response? “Well, to Jo, I’d say, ‘Oh my god, honored to meet you. Thank you for breaking those barriers.'” As for what he’d say to the Fugitive Doctor herself, Gatwa quipped, “How do I work this button on the TARDIS?”
“Doctor WHO” streams Friday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. ET on Disney+, where available, and simultaneously on May 11 at midnight on BBC iPlayer in the U.K.
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