Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker. And now, 's best writer, Russell T. Davies, fans are eager to see a change of course that may fix the show's declining ratings and viewership.
While there is still quite a while to wait before he takes on the mantle, that doesn't mean fans can't get a taste by diving into his previous acting credits. Gatwa is a relative newcomer to the industry, with only six credits out so far and parts in GRID Legends and Barbie coming soon. Despite this limited filmography, there are some absolute gems in his past that show off both the comedic and dramatic skill wielded by Gatwa that should give fans hope for the newest version of Doctor Who.
Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans — 5.3
Based on the book of the same name, Horrible Histories: The Movie follows Atti, a Roman citizen who schemes a little too close to the sun and gets sent to Britain during the height of Boudicca's Rebellion. Atti ends up being captured by a female Celt who wants to become a warrior and finds himself at the center of a military and cultural war.
Gatwa played the role of Timidius, a Roman soldier that Atti meets along his journey. While Timidius is not central to the plot, he does add to the "horrible" humor the series is known for. Unlike the Horrible Histories television series that the movie springs up from, Horrible Histories: The Movie is a musical, adding another dimension to Gatwa's on-screen abilities.
Stonemouth — 6.4
Stonemouth is a two-episode mini-series based on the Iain Banks novel of the same name, and it is the series that started Gatwa's career, providing him with his first named role. After being driven out of town a year prior, Stewart Gilmour returns to the town of Stonemouth for the funeral of his friend, Callum. Callum appears to have died by suicide, but Stewart doesn't believe that, digging into his friend's death and finding himself entangled in a gang rivalry.
Gatwa played Dougie, a cop in town, in both episodes. Gatwa joked with Rebecca Nicholson from The Guardian about his role in Stonemouth, stating "My mum said I looked like a baby strippergram. Dougie the cop! He will live in my heart forever." While it may not be the most engaging role for an actor to play, it did give Gatwa a solid start.
The Last Letter from Your Lover — 6.6
The Last Letter From Your Lover follows Ellie Haworth, a journalist who finds a love letter and endeavors to track down the people involved. As audiences follow along on Ellie's quest, they see snippets of the life of Jennifer Stirling, one of the parties involved in the love letters. While Ellie and Jennifer both search for the truth behind the letters, they each fall in love and have to decide whether or not to take a leap of faith.
Gatwa plays a minor role in this film as Nick, one of Ellie Haworth's co-workers and friends. Audiences learn about Ellie's difficulties managing her social life through Gatwa's character, who begins the film upset with Ellie for leaving him and their other friend on his birthday. While Ellie does find love through her investigation, she, unfortunately, does not spend more time with her friends, leaving Gatwa's character firmly in the background.
Bob Servant — 7.4
After a horrific accident, Broughty Ferry needs to find a new Member of Parliament. The candidates are slimy English politician Nick Edwards and cheeseburger van owner Bob Servant. The first season, comprising six episodes, follows Bob's campaign for the position, while the three-episode second season shows the aftermath of the election as Bob and his friend/business partner Frank struggle to maintain their dynamic in the face of new romantic prospects.
Blink and you'll miss it, but this is Ncuti Gatwa's first-ever acting credit! Gatwa played a customer of Bob's burger van in season two, episode one of Bob Servant after the show had been renamed from Bob Servant Independent. While fans are unlikely to figure out much about how Gatwa will play the Doctor from this background role, those who love his work will appreciate the show for bringing him into the public eye.
A Midsummer Night's Dream (2016) — 7.5
Like the best previous Doctors in Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa is classically trained, earning his BA in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, which led to him playing Demetrius in the 2016 adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The production was filmed at the Globe Theatre and directed by Emma Rice and Ian Russell. While the film primarily follows the plot of Shakespeare's script, the love interest Helena is gender-bent to become Helenus, who pines after Gatwa's Demetrius, even as he focuses on the more socially-pragmatic Hermia.
As one of his only leading roles, can fans expect to get a feel for the actor's capabilities in this adaptation? Gatwa certainly makes the most of his Shakespearean role, at the center of the social commentary on a closeted Demetrius denying his sexuality in favor of social advancement. In addition, the production is occasionally overwrought by comedy, which gave Gatwa plenty of time for gags and humor. Altogether, it's a good production to see some of what he is capable of, but should not be held up as all he can do.
Sex Education — 8.4
Gatwa really got the chance to show off his skills in Sex Education, a show which both highlights his capabilities and is the highest-rated production he worked on, prior to his run on Doctor Who. The show follows Otis, the son of a sex therapist, as he tries to figure out his own way through high school and puberty while also encouraging and advising his peers who have been woefully neglected by the sex education system.
Gatwa plays Eric, Otis's best friend, and the most likable character on Sex Education. He is also one of the most compelling characters on the show, dealing with arcs surrounding homophobic violence, complicated romantic feelings, and intricate cultural dynamics, all while maintaining a strong platonic bond with Otis. Gatwa absolutely shines on Sex Education, where the showrunners allow him to show off both the dramatic and comedic sides of himself with a deep, nuanced character. After watching his time on Sex Education, fans can be assured that Ncuti Gatwa will be a great Doctor and that the future of the show is in good hands.