John reacts to Matt’s exit, says he “wasn’t gutted”
John Barrowman has admitted that he “wasn’t devastated” when he heard that Matt Smith will be leaving Doctor Who in this year’s Christmas Special.
While he appreciates it’s “sad for the fans”, the Captain Jack star told MTV Geek “it is a job” for Matt Smith. “I know the show so well and know the Doctors are going to change,” he said. “So I’m not gutted he’s leaving. I’m excited to see who the next Doctor will be.” The actor had no updates to share on whether or not Jack will be returning for the 50th.
“It’s a question of not being asked,” he said. “It’s not my say.” He’s previously revealed he’s “really upset” to be left out of the festivities which will be marked in a 3D special on 23rd November 2013. He said: “They want to move forward and try different things.”
Who’s your perfect 12th Doctor? Let us know in our new dedicated discussion!
I think a lot of people will see this in a negative light, like John is criticising Matts role as the Doctor when really, he understands exactly what the show is about. He isn’t gutted because as a fan, he knows that the show is about change and its something we all have to accept. Tennant was his Doctor, he was his favourite to watch and act with and I think you don’t get as attached to Doctors that aren’t ‘your’ Doctor, therefore he doesn’t particularly mind about Matt moving on. It’s the right time for Matt to go and Im excited to see a new man step into the role!
Matt confirmed that he was leaving the same day that Karen Gillan announced that she would play the lead villain in Guardians of the Galaxy. I think that maybe Matt decided that he could get a cool movie character if Karen could.
I feel like it wasn’t time. The “blockbuster” series felt pretty empty just because of the format and the way Clara seemed to be rushed into the role of companion. Another series of the two together would have been better, I think. I know it’ll still be the Doctor and Clara next series, but it wont be goofy old Eleven so their relationship will likely change too.
I really don’t understand why anyone expects him to feel gutted. Why would he? He’s an old time fan too. Old time fans know that Doctors come and go; if we were ever gutted about losing a Doctor, we’ve long since gotten over that and focus instead on the excitement of a) wondering how he’s going to die (regeneration stories are *always* dramatic, though goodness sakes but they took too long about it with Tennant) and b) who the next one will be.