Matt Smith wishes to return as Doctor Who, according to insights shared by his former showrunner Steven Moffat during celebrations marking 15 years since Smith’s debut as the Eleventh Doctor. The comments come as Smith continues his successful career in television and film, but hasn’t hidden his ongoing affection for the role and its impact on his life and career.
Matt Smith’s Lasting Connection to Doctor Who
Steven Moffat, responsible for acclaimed Doctor Who episodes like “The Empty Child,” “Blink,” and “Silence in the Library,” assumed control as showrunner for the series‘ fifth revived season. This era saw Matt Smith step into the role of the Eleventh Doctor and Karen Gillan introduce the character of Amy Pond, forging a memorable partnership that propelled both actors onto the international stage. Smith, now a star in HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” and Gillan, known for her roles in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the “Jumanji” franchise, have both found worldwide fame thanks to their time on the sci-fi series.
Despite moving on to other high-profile roles, Smith has repeatedly vocalised his fondness for Doctor Who. Recently, while marking the 15th anniversary of Smith’s first appearance, Steven Moffat reflected on the role’s legacy, telling an audience:
“Today, as I sit here, is the 15th anniversary of when the 11th Doctor fell to Earth and ate fish custard.”
—Steven Moffat, Former Doctor Who Showrunner
The nostalgic moment highlights the enduring cultural impact of Smith’s time on the show and his personal connection to its folklore.
Ongoing Affection for the Franchise
Steven Moffat went further to share private correspondence with Matt Smith on this milestone anniversary, stating:
“I WhatsApp’d Matt this morning saying it was 15 years, and he said, ‘I wish I was on that set now’. See? You see, Matt? Don’t leave.”
—Steven Moffat, Former Doctor Who Showrunner
Smith originally departed in 2013 following the Christmas special “The Time of the Doctor,” passing the torch to Peter Capaldi as the new incarnation of the Time Lord. Nevertheless, Smith has expressed little but gratitude regarding his years on the beloved series. During the press campaign for Sony’s “Morbius” in March 2022, Smith openly described the Doctor as:
“the best part in the world”
—Matt Smith, Actor
He later recounted the camaraderie he enjoyed on set with co-stars Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, and Jenna Coleman, cherishing the chemistry and friendships that made the experience so memorable. In a further reflection, Smith shared his pride in being associated with the show, while acknowledging its unique pressures:
“I’m so proud, to this day, to be part of that world. There is a huge amount of pressure that comes with it, just as there is with House of the Dragon, but it’s very rewarding.”
—Matt Smith, Actor
The Enduring Impact of the Time Lord
Matt Smith’s rise to fame through Doctor Who came rapidly, with the transition from relative anonymity to global recognition bringing both excitement and disorientation. The show remains a launching pad for new stars, as the return of familiar characters continues to generate speculation among fans. Most recently, Billie Piper’s surprise appearance at the end of a major regeneration sequence in the season 15 finale sparked theories about possible future directions for the series.
As Doctor Who celebrates two decades since its revival, its influence remains strong. While Smith enjoys continued success across major studios such as HBO, Sony, and Marvel, his connection to the iconic Time Lord endures. For both the actor and the show’s passionate global audience, the hope persists that Matt Smith may once again step aboard the TARDIS, reaffirming the franchise’s magical hold on generations of viewers. Episodes, including “Doctor Who: Unleashed,” are now available for fans to stream on BBC iPlayer, ensuring the adventures remain accessible to all.
