Introduction

In the realm of sci-fi television, "Doctor Who" has long been a trailblazer, and its newest star, Varada Sethu, is standing firmly against critics who accuse the iconic series of becoming "woke." In a revealing interview with the Radio Times, Sethu, who plays the companion to Ncuti Gatwa's Time Lord, emphasized that such criticisms highlight the show's commitment to kindness and inclusivity.

Varada Sethu's Perspective

"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," Sethu asserted. She clarified that "woke" should be interpreted as a sign of progress—a commitment to care for people and embrace diversity.

Historic Casting

With the new duo of Sethu and Gatwa, "Doctor Who" is making history by featuring two people of color in the Tardis for the first time. "Ncuti was like, 'Look at us. We get to be in the Tardis. We’re going to piss off so many people,'" Sethu recalled, hinting at the groundbreaking nature of their casting. She further noted, "We really are equals in the way that we interact with each other," underscoring the dynamic that Russell T. Davies, the legendary showrunner, sought to create.

Looking Ahead to Season 15

As excitement builds for the upcoming Season 15, set to launch on April 12 on BBC and Disney+, there is a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the future of both Gatwa and Davies. Speculations abound regarding Disney's ongoing partnership with the series, as their support is critical for budgets, storylines, and casting decisions.

Future Concerns

Should Disney withdraw their collaboration after 2025, significant changes could be in store for "Doctor Who," leaving fans on edge about what the future may hold.

Conclusion

For die-hard "Doctor Who" enthusiasts, the wait for a continuation of the series could stretch until at least 2027, depending on how these contractual commitments unfold. As the show embraces a new era of representation, it remains to be seen how it will navigate these challenges while still championing the core values of kindness and respect that have made it beloved across generations.