Neil Patrick Harris, celebrated for his versatile acting career, is set to electrify screens as the enigmatic villain, The Toymaker, in the highly anticipated 60th-anniversary special episode of Doctor Who, titled “The Giggle.” In a surprising revelation, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies disclosed that the American actor’s introduction to the iconic British sci-fi series was quite recent, sparking intrigue and excitement among fans worldwide.
Davies, in conversation with Entertainment Weekly (EW), recounted his initial approach to Harris for the role. Their prior collaboration on the acclaimed series It’s a Sin, which explored the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, paved the way for a direct and informal casting process. “He’d never heard of it in his life, bless him,” Davies shared with a chuckle, highlighting Harris’s unfamiliarity with the long-running show before being considered for this pivotal role.
The character of The Toymaker, as Davies describes, is a “god of games,” a being of immense power and playful malevolence. This description resonated perfectly with Harris’s multifaceted talents, known for his charisma, stage presence, and even his own penchant for magic. Instead of navigating traditional agent channels, Davies reached out directly to Harris, texting him an invitation to consider the role. Harris’s response was immediate and enthusiastic, albeit initially punctuated by a humorous question that revealed his Doctor Who virginity. “Let me get this right, so the Doctor’s an alien, right?” Harris reportedly asked, prompting laughter from Davies but also underscoring the actor’s fresh perspective on the Whoniverse. Despite his initial lack of familiarity, Harris was undeniably drawn to the character and the project, leading him to Cardiff for what Davies described as a “spectacular time” on set.
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Neil Patrick Harris on ‘Doctor Who’. Disney+
The Toymaker is not a new creation for Doctor Who aficionados. The character first materialized in the 1960s, portrayed by Michael Gough alongside William Hartnell’s First Doctor. This revival for the 60th anniversary places Harris’s iteration of The Toymaker against the returning duo of David Tennant and Catherine Tate, reprising their beloved roles as the Doctor and Donna Noble. Their comeback for these anniversary specials has already generated immense buzz, and Davies emphasizes the necessity of a formidable antagonist to challenge such iconic figures. “It’s very hard to find the villain who can match David Tennant and Catherine Tate,” Davies explained, stressing the gravity of casting the right actor. Unlike typical Doctor Who threats that rely on hordes of monsters, The Toymaker poses a singular, yet profoundly significant, danger. Davies emphasizes that this encounter will be a “pivotal event in the Doctor’s life,” underscoring the importance of Harris’s casting. The collaboration proved so fruitful that Davies jokingly mentioned ongoing conversations with Harris about their “third project together,” hinting at a desire for future collaborations.
David Tennant himself echoed Davies’s enthusiasm for Harris’s portrayal of The Toymaker. “Oh, he’s good,” Tennant affirmed, praising Harris’s dedication and energy. Tennant highlighted the unique demands of the role, requiring a blend of showmanship and acting prowess. “This part requires a lot of skill sets and Neil turns up with them all,” Tennant noted, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of The Toymaker. He elaborated on the specific qualities needed for the role: “You need a sort of an all-round entertainer to play that part and a very good actor.” Tennant admitted that the pool of actors capable of fulfilling these requirements is limited, making Harris’s “yes” a moment of particular excitement for the production. He concluded by stating it’s “impossible to imagine who else it might have been,” emphasizing the perfect fit of Harris for the role. Tennant also playfully described Harris as a “theater animal,” appreciating his work ethic and the “twinkle in his eye,” qualities that Tennant believes are essential for capturing the essence of Doctor Who.
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Neil Patrick Harris in ‘Doctor Who’. Disney+
“The Giggle,” featuring Neil Patrick Harris as The Toymaker, is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 9th. Fans eagerly anticipating this 60th-anniversary special can expect a thrilling and memorable chapter in the Doctor Who saga, marked by the exciting debut of Neil Patrick Harris in the Whoniverse. The combination of Harris’s dynamic performance, the return of Tennant and Tate, and the creative vision of Russell T Davies promises an unmissable event for both long-time viewers and new audiences alike.
