Doctor Who Star Reacts To Comments About The Series Being “Woke”

Doctor Who‘s newest companion actor, Varada Sethu, has responded to claims that the long-running sci-fi series has become “too woke.” Since its debut in 1963, the show has reinvented itself numerous times, introducing new Doctors, companions, and storylines that mirror the changing world. Over the years, Doctor Who has addressed social issues, championed inclusivity, and pushed the boundaries of traditional science-fiction storytelling. Sethu will star as the Doctor’s new companion Belinda Chandra alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor in the upcoming Doctor Who season 15, which will premiere on April 12.

In a recent interview with Radio Times, Doctor Who’s newest cast member addressed the ongoing conversation about the show’s increasing focus on diversity and inclusivity. Responding to criticisms that the series has become “too woke,” Sethu did not shy away from acknowledging the controversy, saying, “I just think we’re doing the right thing if we’re getting comments like that.” The actor also noted that Gatwa said to her, “we’re going to piss off so many people.” Read her full comments below:

There’s been a couple of Doctor Woke [references] or whatever, but I just think we’re doing the right thing if we’re getting comments like that.

Woke just means inclusive, progressive, and that you care about people. And, as far as I know, the core of Doctor Who is kindness, love and doing the right thing.

Ncuti was like, “Look at us. We get to be in the TARDIS. We’re going to p*** off so many people.”

What This Means For Doctor Who

Embracing Change & Representation In The TARDIS

The backlash against the show’s progressive changes is nothing new, as every major change in Doctor Who ​​​​​​has sparked debate, from regenerations to casting choices. Sethu’s comments come as the show continues to embrace change, with Gatwa making history as the first Black Doctor, following Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor, who was the first woman to officially portray the iconic character. Sethu’s comments reinforce Doctor Who‘s ongoing commitment to evolving with the times. The show has always used the sci-fi narrative to explore important social themes, from environmental issues to human rights, and its push for greater inclusivity is no different.

The upcoming season will likely continue to explore storylines that challenge traditional norms while keeping the adventurous spirit that has proven for over 60 years that Doctor Who is a sci-fi staple. Additionally, with Disney+ now distributing the series globally, the franchise is more accessible than ever, bringing in new audiences who may not have been previously familiar with the show. This increased reach could mean that future stories will incorporate even more perspectives, perhaps exploring different countries and cultures while keeping the same adventurous spirit audiences love.

Doctor Who’s Evolution Is a Good Thing

Doctor Who has always been about transformation, both in its plot and in how it portrays the world around it. Those who claim that the show has become “too woke” often overlook the fact that Doctor Who has championed progressive ideas for decades. From its early days of challenging social norms to its more recent strides in LGBTQ+ and racial representation, the series has always welcomed change. Sethu’s enthusiasm for the show’s inclusivity is a refreshing reminder that, at its core, Doctor Who is a story about hope, adventure, and understanding.

Source: Radio Times

Doctor Who

5/10

Release Date

December 25, 2023

Directors

Douglas Camfield, David Maloney, Christopher Barry, Michael E. Briant, Barry Letts, Michael Ferguson, Richard Martin, Peter Moffatt, Pennant Roberts, Lennie Mayne, Chris Clough, Ron Jones, Paddy Russell, Paul Bernard, Michael Hayes, Timothy Combe, Morris Barry, Gerald Blake, Graeme Harper, Waris Hussein, Rodney Bennett, Mervyn Pinfield, Hugh David, John Gorrie

Writers

Russell T. Davies, Dave Gibbons, Kate Herron, Steven Moffat

Franchise(s)

Doctor Who