‘Doctor Who’ at Comic-Con: Peter Davison, Colin Baker disagree on Whittaker’s casting

It’s Fifth vs Sixth Doctor on Thirteen’s casting. Former “Doctor Who” stars Peter Davison and Colin Baker have reportedly clashed on the casting of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor of the long-running series.

According to reports, the two Classic DW stars had a very public differing of opinions at the San Diego Comic-Con BritBox’s Classic Doctor Who Panel on Thursday. The former Time Lords were divided on the issue of Whittaker’s casting as the Thirteenth Doctor, the first woman to nab the role in the show’s more than 50 years of existence.

It’s no secret that Davison was not warming up to the idea that a woman would now be driving the TARDIS. Baker, on the other hand, has been supportive of the choice since Whittaker was finally announced on Sunday, even condemning others who had lambasted the upcoming titular star.

“If I feel any doubt, it’s the loss of a role model for boys who I think ‘Doctor Who’ is vitally important for,” Davison, who held the role from 1982 to 1984, said. “So I feel a bit sad about that, but I understand the argument that you need to open it up. As a viewer, I kind of like the idea of the Doctor as a boy, but then maybe I’m an old fashioned dinosaur, who knows?”

Baker, who starred in the show from 1984 to 1986, frankly disagreed with his predecessor. “They’ve had 50 years of having a role model,” he said. “So sorry, Peter, you’re talking rubbish there – absolute rubbish.”

He added, “You don’t have to be of a gender of someone to be a role model. Can’t you be a role model as people?” The 74-year-old actor, who has four daughters, said that he also hoped to see a non-white actor to land the coveted role of the Doctor in the future. He said that perhaps the show should look to America next. “They see a future world where that is irrelevant and it’s perhaps time ‘Doctor Who’ and its fans did too,” he said (via Metro).

This was not the first time both actors expressed their dissent and support to the new Time Lady. In 2015, Davison, 66, said he had trouble with the idea of a female Doctor. Although he said he was aware that he would be criticised for his opinion, he said it was just a personal preference. (Read related article link below.)

While many former stars of the show – including current and Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi, who is leaving the show during the Christmas Special – expressed supportive messages when Whittaker was announced, Davison took a different approach. He called for fans to be understanding of others who were unsure of a female Doctor.

As for Baker, he has been outspoken of his support for Whittaker on social media. He has posted tweets on why the 35-year-old “Broadchurch” actress would be a great Doctor.

Whittaker will make her “Doctor Who” debut in the Christmas Special when Capaldi’s Twelve regenerates into Thirteen. Season 11 is expected to start in 2018.

Read more:
Fifth Doctor Peter Davison Thinks ‘Doctor Who’ Should Not Be A Woman
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‘Doctor Who’ Christmas special: Clara to return to say goodbye to Twelve