Matt Smith Says Doctor Who Role Was Challenging And Taxing

Get the Full StoryIn 1966 the producers of Doctor Who had a big problem. Star William Hartnell s health was deteriorating, forcing him to leave the show. Their decision on how to deal with remains one the best decisions in sci-fi: rather than simply recast they revealed that the Doctor periodically regenerates, changing appearance and personality. This has allowed Doctor Who to remain on air without being rebooted for nearly sixty years, with twelve subsequent Doctors playing the role in very different ways.

Since the 2005 relaunch, each Doctor has lasted roughly three seasons, meaning the rumors that the upcoming thirteenth season will be Jodie Whittaker s last are likely true. Now, with talk of the next regeneration beginning to build, the much-loved Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith has spoken about his time on the show and why it s necessary to pass the baton to the next actor.

In an interview with Port magazine he was asked if he missed life in the TARDIS. He said:

Of course you miss Doctor Who it s the best job in the world, but it s challenging and taxing as well That s why people often get to three or four years before they throw the towel in.

Smith didn t explain exactly what makes this specific role so difficult, but it s a sentiment echoed by many others who ve played the Doctor with Peter Capaldi saying there s a lot more to it than acting. My bet is that playing such a beloved character comes with a lot of scrutiny about your past and restrictions on how you can behave off-screen. After all, the Doctor is one of the BBC s flagship series and I d imagine they re keen not have any controversies affect their public image.

All of which may hint at why the BBC tends not to go with established stars for the part and prefers lesser-known actors who can properly commit. It s worth remembering that when Matt Smith accepted the part he was almost completely unknown and has used it as a springboard to an impressive career in film and TV.

So who s picking up the sonic screwdriver next? We ve heard some names, but let s hope we hear some concrete information on the future of Doctor Who very soon.

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