The enduring legacy of Doctor Who is not just built on thrilling adventures through time and space, but also on the fascinating “what ifs” that pepper its six-decade history. Imagine a universe where Terry Nation greenlit the Daleks versus Cybermen epic in the 60s, or if William Hartnell’s departure from the TARDIS happened during “The Celestial Toymaker.” Among these captivating possibilities, the actors who almost played Doctor Who stand out as some of the most intriguing. The idea of different performers stepping into the role of the Time Lord, each bringing their unique interpretation, is a tantalizing concept for fans. These near-miss castings could have dramatically altered the trajectory of the beloved sci-fi series. Here, we delve into the stories of ten actors who came incredibly close to becoming the Doctor, each a potential turning point in the show’s rich narrative.
Ben Daniels
Ben Daniels, a celebrated actor recognized for his award-winning stage presence and compelling screen roles, found himself on the shortlist for the coveted Twelfth Doctor. While Peter Capaldi was always showrunner Steven Moffat’s primary choice, Daniels was seriously considered as a viable alternative should Capaldi decline. Daniels has openly expressed his profound admiration for Doctor Who and his keen interest in taking on the mantle of the Doctor, revealing his passionate connection to the show’s legacy and the character’s potential.
Richard Hearne
Following Jon Pertwee’s departure, Doctor Who faced the challenge of replacing a hugely popular and impactful Doctor. Producer Barry Letts sought a successor who could maintain the show’s upward trajectory. Richard Hearne, a character actor famed for his comedic portrayal of Mr Pastry, emerged as a potential candidate. Mr Pastry was known for his slapstick antics and perpetually clumsy nature. However, concerns arose that Hearne might struggle to separate himself from this established persona, ultimately leading to Tom Baker’s casting as the Fourth Doctor.
Bernard Cribbins
Bernard Cribbins holds a special place in Doctor Who history. Beyond his appearance in the non-canonical film Daleks – Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., he endeared himself to a new generation as Wilfred Mott, Donna Noble’s grandfather, during David Tennant’s era. Earlier in his career, Cribbins was considered for the role of the Fourth Doctor. His background in humorous characters and songs drew parallels to Jon Pertwee’s pre-Who career. Reportedly, Cribbins envisioned a more overtly violent Doctor, a direction that diverged from the producers’ vision and contributed to his not being cast.
Fulton Mackay
Fulton Mackay, best known for his portrayal of the stern prison officer Mr Mackay in the British sitcom Porridge, had an earlier connection to Doctor Who, playing Dr Quinn in the 1970 story “Doctor Who and the Silurians.” When Jon Pertwee announced his departure, Mackay was considered as a possible replacement. According to Barry Letts, Mackay’s desire to be involved in the script-writing process proved to be a significant obstacle. Had he been cast, Fulton Mackay would have predated Sylvester McCoy as the first Scottish actor to portray the Doctor by several decades.
Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming, who later delivered a memorable performance as King James I in the Jodie Whittaker episode “The Witchfinders,” was offered the role of the Ninth Doctor when Russell T Davies revived the series in 2005. Cumming’s distinctive and often flamboyant acting style could have brought a decidedly eccentric dimension to the Time Lord. However, the prospect of relocating to Cardiff for extended periods of filming, requiring up to eight months away from his usual residence, was a deterrent for Cumming, leading him to decline the offer.
Russell Tovey
Russell Tovey made a memorable appearance in “Voyage of the Damned” as Midshipman Frame, and former showrunner Russell T Davies has openly expressed his admiration for the actor. While Tovey’s name was not widely circulated during the search for David Tennant’s successor, Davies has stated that had he remained in charge, Russell Tovey would have been his foremost choice for the Eleventh Doctor. This highlights the significant regard Davies held for Tovey’s acting abilities and his potential to embody the iconic Time Lord.
Bill Nighy
Bill Nighy was a leading contender for the role of the Ninth Doctor, and he has confirmed that he was indeed approached for the part. Speculation surrounding his casting reached such a fever pitch that a prominent UK newspaper prematurely announced his appointment on its front page, coinciding with the official announcement of Christopher Eccleston’s casting. Nighy cited the immense responsibility associated with the role as a primary reason for declining. However, he later made a cameo appearance in “Vincent and the Doctor,” penned by his frequent collaborator Richard Curtis, playing museum curator Dr Black.
Brian Blessed
Brian Blessed’s name frequently arose in discussions surrounding potential Doctor Who movie projects during the 1980s. However, the BBC actually approached Blessed much earlier, in the 1960s, as a candidate to succeed William Hartnell as the Second Doctor. Blessed recounted that his vision for the Doctor was deemed too unconventional and “scared the BBC to death.” His ideas were considered too politically incorrect and deviated significantly from the established character of the Doctor. Despite this, Brian Blessed eventually appeared in Doctor Who, alongside Colin Baker in the epic 14-part serial “The Trial of a Time Lord.”
Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant was directly offered the role of the Ninth Doctor by Russell T Davies, but the offer did not progress beyond Grant’s agent. Davies had long admired Grant and wished to collaborate with him. However, similar to Alan Cumming, the prospect of spending a year filming in Cardiff was unappealing to Grant. Interestingly, Hugh Grant had previously portrayed a Doctor of sorts in the comedic spoof “The Curse of Fatal Death.” This brief portrayal offered a glimpse into a potential dashing and charming Doctor, perhaps reminiscent of Peter Davison or Paul McGann’s incarnations.
Alan Rickman
The 1990s were rife with attempts to revive Doctor Who on the big screen, many of which unfortunately remained in development limbo. One such project, penned by Denny Martin Flinn, a co-writer of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, had Alan Rickman in serious contention and negotiations for the role of the Doctor. Regrettably, this film adaptation faltered as rights issues arose and a different company assumed control of the Doctor Who movie endeavor. Consequently, Alan Rickman’s potential involvement with Doctor Who ended there, marking the sole instance he was considered for the iconic role.
These actors, each with their unique talents and interpretations, represent just a fraction of the countless possibilities that could have shaped Doctor Who. Their near-castings serve as a reminder of the sliding doors moments in television history, leaving fans to wonder what might have been had these individuals stepped into the TARDIS. The Doctor’s regeneration is a constant source of reinvention, and these almost Doctors highlight the vast pool of talent considered to carry on this timeless legacy.
