SAN DIEGO -- Jodie Whittaker's casting as the first female Doctor may have been a bold leap forward for Doctor Who. But for one former inhabitant of the role, it wasn't a leap far enough.
A black Doctor "should have happened by now as well," sixth Doctor Colin Baker said in response to a question from the audience at San Diego Comic-Con. And he went further by suggesting it wouldhappen next.
SEE ALSO:Who's she! Jodie Whittaker is the first female Doctor and it makes total sense"The white male dominance of the role has been nothing if not timid," Baker said on a panel devoted to classic-era Doctor Who, in response to a pointed inquiry about representation in Doctor Whofrom a black member of the audience.
"But now they've broken the bravery barrier ... all I can say is, watch the next regeneration."
All 13 actors in the role of the Doctor, a shape-shifting Time Lord from Gallifrey, have been caucasian males -- although it has now been established in the show that Time Lords can change their race as well as their gender.
'They've broken the bravery barrier'
Whittaker's appointment as the 13th Doctor was the main topic of conversation at a Comic-Con panel devoted to the 1963-89 era of the show.
Peter Davison, the fifth Doctor, said it was important to understand the concerns of fans who were outraged by a female regeneration of the TARDIS-bound Time Lord.
"You have to give fans time to adjust," said Davison, who noted that he was criticized in his era (1981-84) for being too young to play the Doctor. (He retained the crown of youngest Doctor until Matt Smith stepped into the role in 2010.)
Sophie Aldred, who played the seventh Doctor's companion Ace, offered the ultimate perspective by pointing out that she'd grown up as a fan of third Doctor Jon Pertwee, and initially didn't accept his successor in the role. "Tom Baker! Who's that?" she remembered saying.
But Colin Baker was by far the most enthusiastic about Whittaker's ascension and what it could portend. In an interview, he confessed that he didn't expect the BBC to allow a woman in the role, because too many of the network's shows are created by a committee, even as he praised her as an actor.
"Give her a chance," Baker implored fans of the 13th Doctor. "She'll surprise you."
TopicsDoctor Who
(责任编辑：知識)
Nate Parker is finally thinking about the woman who accused him of rape
Local authority instantly regrets asking public to name new gritter
India admits defect in newly issued Rs 500 notes, creates more confusion among citizens
Fidel Castro died and people won't stop talking about Liam Neeson
Dramatic photo captures nun texting friends after Italy earthquake17 questions you can answer if you're a good communicator
Whether you regularly speak in public and write online, or you mostly express yourself over email, b
...[详细]'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' tickets are on sale Monday, November 28
This is even better than a Tosche Station sale on power converters: Tickets for Rogue One: A Star Wa
...[详细]25 gifts for people who love naps
This holiday season, help your stressed out friends up their nap game.SEE ALSO:Nintendo is going to
...[详细]India admits defect in newly issued Rs 500 notes, creates more confusion among citizens
In what is yet another sign of India's unpreparedness in the aftermath of invalidating its most circ
...[详细]The U.S. will no longer have the final say on internet domain names
The National Telecommunications Information Admistration (NTIA) announced via 。 blog post。on Tuesday
...[详细]Things stay 'Broken AF' in the 'Insecure' season finale
This post contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of Insecure, titled "Broken as Fuck."On the seas
...[详细]Hillary Clinton's campaign will now help Jill Stein's vote recount
Somehow, 2016 presidential election drama is not quite over. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign
...[详细]Domino's Japan is training reindeer to deliver holiday pizza. Yes, really.
Of all the U.S. traditions Japan has adopted, Christmas might be the biggest. And now one company is
...[详细]Darth Vader is back. Why do we still care?
They saved the best for last in the first official trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, release
...[详细]India admits defect in newly issued Rs 500 notes, creates more confusion among citizens
In what is yet another sign of India's unpreparedness in the aftermath of invalidating its most circ
...[详细]5 people Tim Cook calls for advice on running the biggest company in the world
India admits defect in newly issued Rs 500 notes, creates more confusion among citizens
