The arrival of a new Doctor on Doctor Who is imminent. Peter Capaldi is stepping down from playing the Doctor and a new actor will once again take over after the conclusion of the current season. Lots of names have come to surface over who could be the thirteenth Doctor, but there are some who have been lobbying for a female actress to play the classic role. Hayley Atwell is frequent on fan's most wanted lists, and while Atwell would likely kill it in the role, what does she actually think of all this? She wants that particular role to go to someone else.
I don't want to play it. No. It's just not my thing, but I really respect it. I'm a big fan of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, though. She plays the lead in Fleabag. There were talks of her being the next Doctor, and she's so funny and eccentric and unique; she'd be great. I can't really see anyone other than her playing it.
Appearing at Heroes and Villains Fanfest in London (via Geekfeed), Hayley Atwell made it quite clear that she doesn't want to be the next Doctor. She respects the show and the role, and while she's probably flattered to be a choice, that doesn't mean she wants to do it. Nope, it's just not her thing, so all the more respect to her for taking her name out of the running. Atwell might be most well known for her role as Agent Peggy Carter from the MCU films, which eventually led to her own spin-off show, Agent Carter. It was through that role that Atwell demonstrated her wit, charm, and butt kicking ability that led to the fan-casting on Doctor Who.
Whether there's going to be a female Doctor or not, Hayley Atwell did offer her own personal choice for a woman who could play the Doctor: Phoebe Waller-Bridge. People may know her best for her show Fleabag on BBC (also available on Amazon Video), which Waller-Bridge both writes and stars in. She plays a character called Fleabag, who navigates life in London. As Atwell says, it's a very unique and comedic take on modern London, which would make Waller-Bridge quite the interesting choice for Doctor Who.
Other female actresses fans have said they'de like to see include Tilda Swinton, Olivia Colman, and Jennifer Saunders. However, it seems that the thirteenth Doctor will be a man. Of the many names that have been brought up, Kris Marshall, fresh off his departure from Death in Paradise, is strongly rumored to be the next Doctor. Whatever the case, be it male or female, we'll likely find out who the replacement is very soon, as Doctor Who's tenth season is quickly drawing to a close.
Watch Peter Capaldi finish out his run as the Doctors as Doctor Who Season 10 continues on Saturdays on BBC 1 and BBC America.
