Johnny Depp to play Doctor Who?!?!?
Posted on June 30th, 2010 at 8:51 am by
Johnny Depp is reportedly in negotiations to play the title character in a feature film adaptation of the popular BBC series Doctor Who. While nothing is confirmed, rumours of the television series getting a big-budget Hollywood makeover have been swirling ever since former DW head writer and executive producer Russell T. Davies moved to Los Angeles two years ago, leaving the show behind in England.
Davies, who is credited with reviving the legendary sci-fi series in 2005, has said: “Bringing the Who franchise to the theaters is a regeneration for the character beyond the usual one. A theatrical release has a greater range and can reach millions of more people than just the fans.”
Davies added: “There will be brand new concepts and the film will be just as adventurous, scary and humorous as the television programme. But none of us working the film will forget what makes the character great and interesting and the long-time fans will not be disappointed because yes, the [infamous characters called] Daleks make an appearance.”
Davies has not officially commented on who he would like to see play the theatrical version of the Time Lord and no other news about the project’s development has been made public. Meanwhile, the television series, starring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, continues to thrive. Smith is the eleventh actor to portray Doctor Who on the small screen since 1963.
Most would agree that it’s about bloody time a Doctor Who feature film was made, but I’m not certain Depp is the best man to bring the Time Lord to the big screen. Considering his popularity, I can understand why the Pirates of the Caribbean actor would be considered for the role; however, Depp is American and everyone knows Doctor Who is a British show. There must be some other talented actor out there who is actually British to better personify this traditionally BRITISH character for the movie-going masses. Next thing you know, they’re going to cast a Brit to play an American superhero like Spider-Man or something crazy like that! Oh wait…
