Matt Smith almost wasn't the 11th Doctor: instead, a black actor nearly nabbed the role.
Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat recently released details that, before Smith donned the fez and bowtie, Doctor Who initially offered the role to a black actor.
This is important because the topic of diversity often comes up when discussing the show: many criticize it for the fact that it just isn't very diverse. The Doctor has always been a white male, and many believe that he's long overdue for a change, by either becoming a different ethnicity or female.
"We've tried," Moffat told Doctor Who Magazine. "The part has been offered to a black actor, but for various reasons it didn't work out. Should the Doctor be black? Should the Doctor be a woman? So long as the Doctor is still the Doctor, anything is possible."
Who was the actor who almost became the 11th Doctor? The Independent reports that it was Chiwetel Ejiofor, known for his roles in 12 Years a Slave and The Martian.
Doctor Who is more diverse than many realize, though. Although many praise the series for adding Pearl Mackie, a mixed-race actress, as the Doctor's newest companion, both Noel Clarke and Freema Agyeman, both black actors, traveled in the TARDIS with the Doctor long before that. The series has also included a cast of all ages in the blue box, including Alex Kingston and Bernard Cribbins. The series also recently regenerated the Master and made him into Missy, a female.
Moffat, though, believes that the series still has areas where it can improve.
"Young people watching have to know that they have a place in the future," he said. "That really matters. You have to care profoundly what children's shows in particular say about where you're going to be."
Unfortunately, Doctor Who is currently on hiatus until a Christmas special airs at the end of the year. The series returns next year with a full season, though, which will also serve as the last with Moffat as showrunner. Chris Chibnall will take on the reins from there as the head of the series. Although rumors hint that the current Doctor, Peter Capaldi, will leave with Moffat, it's more likely that he'll stay on.
