David Tennant, acclaimed for his portrayal of the iconic Time Lord in Doctor Who, almost didn’t take on the role that made him a television legend. The decision to become the Tenth Doctor, a role he played from 2005 to 2010, was not immediate. Tennant revealed, “There was definitely a moment where I wasn’t going to take it” after he was approached for the role. He mentioned on his podcast, David Tennant Does a Podcast With…, that he took about 48 hours to consider what the opportunity would entail.
The hesitation stemmed from advice given by his then-agent, who cautioned him against accepting the role, suggesting it wouldn’t be successful. Tennant recalled, “I had an agent at the time who was like, ‘Don’t touch it. It’s not going to work.’” This agent has since retired, and Tennant acknowledges, “She didn’t call that correctly.” Despite the initial doubts, Tennant’s decision to accept the role is now viewed as pivotal, leading him to become one of the most celebrated Doctors in the series’ history.
After his initial run, Tennant made a surprising return as the Fourteenth Doctor in 2022, further cementing his status in the Doctor Who universe. This return happened alongside the show’s revival spearheaded by Russell T. Davies, who spoke with enthusiasm about the series’ new direction under a Disney+ reboot. With Ncuti Gatwa now taking on the role of the Fifteenth Doctor, Davies expressed a desire for the series to be “fun and a bit nuts,” breaking away from traditional television structures.
Davies commented on the current televisual landscape, “I think there’s so much television that sticks too rigidly to the three-act structure.” His vision for Doctor Who embraces unpredictability, promising a fresh and innovative journey for its audience. Tennant’s initial decision, almost swayed by cautious advice, has undeniably shaped the show’s vibrant legacy and continues to influence its dynamic evolution.
