Doctor Who!? BBC Names Unknown As New Time Lord
Matt Smith
The producers of BBC's time-travel drama Doctor Who have named their choice for the new actor to bring the intergalactic time traveler to life, and he definitely puts the "Who?" in the title.
Matt Smith, a virtual unknown, has been named as the 11th actor to portray The Doctor, according to the BBC News. Viewers will begin seeing Smith in 2010, when he replaces David Tennant, who announced his intentions to leave the show in October.
Use our Online Video Guide to watch Smith talk about assuming the "iconic role."
At 26, Smith, who has been seen in the BBC political series Party Animals and on stage in The History Boys, is the youngest to every fill the Doctor's shoes. Smith is believed to have beat out heavy competition from bigger names such as John Simm and David Morrissey. His casting also puts to rest rumors that the Doctor would be played by a woman for the first time, with names such as Catherine Zeta Jones and Jennifer Saunders being tossed around.
Executive producer and head writer Steven Moffat said it was Smith's original take on the role that made him the one.
"As soon as Matt walked through the door, and blew us away with a bold and brand new take on the Time Lord, we knew we had our man," he said. "2010 is a long time away, but rest assured the 11th Doctor is coming — and the universe has never been so safe."
Smith said he is "proud and honored" to take on the role that's been famous in England for more than four decades.
"David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set by him," Smith said. "The challenge for me is to do justice to the show's illustrious past, my predecessors, and most importantly, to those who watch it. I really cannot wait."
Smith will begin shooting this summer. Tennant will film four specials that will air in 2009 before taking his final bow.