Jodie Whittaker Returns as the Doctor
Whittaker took to the screen as a character well-beloved throughout the ages, Doctor Who, in 2017. She was the first female doctor, and the internet's reaction to her taking the role was nothing short of astounding. So many voices had spoken out against a female doctor, but those voices didn't get heard, because Whittaker's performance proved their worries wrong.
The role as the Doctor has been done many times before by many different people, but Whittaker has admitted before that she felt like she represented all actresses, as the first female doctor, and that these feelings created a fear. She was afraid that she'd make a choice someone didn't like and lose the part--or worse, hold other women back from receiving that role.
Boys Don't Rule the Whoverse After All
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Whittaker reported that she is coming back in 2020, for another season.
Whittaker is a huge fan of the show, so getting to play this role is a huge deal for her. She's not ready to give it up just yet, despite knowing that someday soon, those shoes will be handed off to another actor or actress.
Fan reactions to Whittaker's announcement have been positive, people exclaiming their happiness and excitement.
Why Did It Take So Long For a Female Doctor?
Society has standards. That's the basic gist. Society has standards that have been fluctuating and evolving since the dawn of time, and those standards seem to always favor men.
Women were thought to be hysterical, unable to work due to their cycles, or even because they had children at home and a husband who worked. For a female actress to take on a role that has been played primarily by men is amazing; for her to receive such a welcome and enough views to continue as that role is even better.
As long as society continues to evolve towards more equal rights, we should see more shows that are predominantly male-focused heads towards an equal showing of male and female actors. Time will only tell, but hopefully shows in the science-fiction world will pick up on how badly people want to see more actresses in place.
To top that off, people wouldn't mind seeing more actors and actresses with disabilities in play, too. But one step at a time, right? Each step gets everybody one inch closer to equality.
Hopefully Whittaker is just one of many women to start taking on roles and redefining the system. Hopefully it continues.
