LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Daniel Radcliffe seen arriving at BBC Radio 2 on September 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)
Which actor should make the move from Harry Potter to Doctor Who? We picked 20 options for who should play the next Doctor.
With Peter Capaldi gearing up to leave Doctor Who after one more season, it’s time to start seriously thinking about who should take over the part. Many outlets have tipped ethereal being Tilda Swinton to be the next actor to take on the part, but we’ve got a few other magical ideas. Where else do you shop for esteemed British actors but in the world of Harry Potter?
With eight films full of the UK’s best talent, both young and old, there are plenty of great thespians ready to take on the role. Harry Potter actors making the jump to Doctor Who is not without precedent!
Tenth Doctor David Tennant learned he got the iconic role while working on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as Barty Crouch Jr., and wand master Ollivander, aka John Hurt, went on to become the War Doctor in the 50th anniversary special in 2013.
Let’s continue to blend these two magical worlds together by finding another a wizard or witch to bring onto the Tardis to become the thirteenth Doctor. Check out our picks for 20 actors and actresses from the world of Harry Potter who should take on the part of the next Doctor.
Emma Thompson
Our own Professor Trelawney, Emma Thompson, has been a fan favourite to take over on Doctor Who for a while now. When fans like to speculate about a female Doctor, she’s always one of the first names to come up! Back in 2013, before Peter Capaldi took over from Matt Smith, Thompson was rumoured to have been up for the part for real from the BBC. She told Graham Norton that she hadn’t been officially offered the role, but if she had, she’d take it. “I would have said yes, I’d have loved to have played Doctor Who.” She’s ready, she’s willing, what’s the hold up?
Thompson is a beloved actor who can equally tackle drama and comedy and has done everything from Shakespeare (Sense and Sensibility, Much Ado About Nothing) to romantic comedies (Bridget Jones’ Baby, Love Actually), and has created loveable and wacky characters like Nanny McPhee, who is sort of a proto-Doctor anyway, just without the time travel. She’s got the gravitas for the serious moments, the comedic chops for the light-hearted moments, and who wouldn’t follow Emma Thompson to the ends of the earth? Forget being the best choice for a female Doctor, she’s the best choice for the Doctor, period.
Warwick Davis
English actor Warwick Davis has appeared in just about every sci-fi, fantasy or geek-genre franchise around, usually more than once. He played two characters in the Harry Potter universe, Professor Flitwick and Gringott’s bank employee Griphook, and has appeared in four different Star Wars movies (Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, The Force Awakens and Rogue One) all as different characters. He appeared in the TV version of Chronicles of Narnia, before moving to the movie series as Nikabrik the dwarf in Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This ability to double-dip in franchises makes it totally characteristic for Davis to take on the part of the Doctor, even after appearing as Porridge in a series seven episode of Doctor Who with Matt Smith.
Davis is an actor who’s well versed in genre cinema and the surrounding fandom – he’s been very involved in the Potterverse, appearing at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter dozens of times, taking part in the Celebration of Harry Potter, and presenting the TV special for Fantastic Beasts and JK Rowling’s Wizarding World. His involvement and love of the fans would be great for Doctor Who, where the fans are just as involved and passionate as Potterheads.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Image via Warner Brothers Pictures
Brendan Gleeson
The Doctor has been English, and he has been Scottish, but so far he’s never been Irish. If there’s one actor who should be the one to change that, it’s Brendan Gleeson! The beloved Irish actor has been in movies and TV since the 1980s, and has racked up and Emmy and two BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations in his name. Aside from his turn as Alastar “Mad-Eye” Moody in the Harry Potter films, Gleeson is best known for his work in the films In Bruges, The Guard and 28 Days Later.
While he’s played a decent amount of bad guys and villains, not to mention the gruff and paranoid Mad-Eye Moody, Gleeson is at his best when he’s being a kind and funny father figure. In the movie In Bruges, he was a good-natured mentor to Colin Farrell, and in The Grand Seduction, he’s a caring patriarchal figure trying to save his town. That kind of loveable, trustworthy and charming dad-like quality in Gleeson would be a good juxtaposition to the hilariously grumpy and reluctant Doctor as played by Peter Capaldi. It’d be like going from that one math teacher who maybe hated kids, to your friend’s dad who took everyone out for pizza after the game.
Domhnall Gleeson
If you can’t get the father, what about the son? Domhnall Gleeson joined the Harry Potter movies later in the series as Bill Weasley, after his dad had already been played Mad-Eye Moody for a few years. The younger Gleeson’s career has taken off as of late and in 2015 he starred in four Oscar nominated films: Brooklyn, The Revenant, Ex Machina and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
While that last one might be a good reason for why he won’t be the next Doctor (I can’t imagine those Star Wars schedules being lax), it’s his other notable entry to the sci-fi genre, specifically time travel, that makes him a contender for the Doctor: About Time.
The 2013 romantic comedy has Gleeson as a time traveler who goes back and forth in time to try and find his relationships and family life. He already knows the rules of time travel (mostly because he broke them a few times) and is funny and charming all throughout the film, a major contrast to Star Wars’ General Hux. Once you’ve pictured a young, somewhat befuddled young Doctor with an Irish accent grinning at Pearl Mackie, you’re going to be on board for this choice.
Kenneth Branagh
Gilderoy Lockhart is that special kind of fan favourite character, where he’s not a good guy per se, but he’s so funny and larger than life that you can’t help be entertained by him. Who else could bring a character like that to life but Kenneth Branagh? Branagh’s a much respected Shakespearean actor who was able to bring the right amount of pomp and circumstance to the role, with a big wink to the audience so we know he’s always in on the joke.
If he can tackle Lockhart that easily, he could certainly give a run on Doctor Who a shot. With Branagh as the Doctor, he’d be able to do the big, dramatic speeches with a fun undercurrent – think like when Ten tried to tell off aliens by quoting The Lion King – without any problem, and just imagine if the Doctor bumps into Shakespeare himself again? Branagh is also an acclaimed director, with Shakespeare adaptations (
Branagh is also an acclaimed director, with Shakespeare adaptations (Hamlet, Henry V) and big budget films (Thor, Cinderella) under his belt, and could maybe take a whirl behind the camera as well as in front of it. He’s an all-around talented actor, writer, and director and Who would be lucky to have him!
Helena Bonham Carter in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Image: Warner Bros.
Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter seems like the kind of actor who should have been on Doctor Who already, but alas she’s never made an appearance! The English actress started her career in lots of period pieces before branching out into the quirky roles she’s more known for today: the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland, Marla from Fight Club, Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd, and of course, Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films.
Bonham Carter’s manic and offbeat persona would be a perfect fit for the Doctor, who is often characterized by his mad eccentricity and all around quirkiness. I mean, we are talking about an alien after all. And just think about how great her signature outfit would be, too! Forget bow ties and fezzes, this Doctor would be rocking capes, leather boots and other statement pieces that will make cosplayers everywhere drool. While HBC is mostly known as a film actor, TV isn’t entirely unknown to her. She recently co-starred on the show
While HBC is mostly known as a film actor, TV isn’t entirely unknown to her. She recently co-starred on the show Love, Nina alongside actress Faye Marsay, who played Shona in the recent Doctor Who Chrismas special “Last Christmas.” It all comes full circle! Maybe Marsay can give her some tips about navigating the Tardis, or just teach her some of those sweet dance moves.
John Cleese
Legendary actor John Cleese sadly didn’t get much screen time in the Harry Potter cinematic universe as ghost Nearly Headless Nick, but his decades-long career speaks for itself. The Monthy Python star has been a British comedy icon for since the 60s and would be a zany and hilarious take on the Doctor. Cleese’s time on Monty Python brought some of the best-known sketches, including The Ministry of Silly Walks and the man trying to return a dead parrot to a pet shop.
After Monty Python, Cleese continued to dominate British comedy by writing and starring in Fawlty Towers, and then writing and starring in the film A Fish Called Wanda, which was nominated for an Academy Award. His comedy skills, both written and performed, could bring the funniest iteration of the Doctor yet! With a career like Cleese’s, it’d be surprising if he hadn’t already appeared on
With a career like Cleese’s, it’d be surprising if he hadn’t already appeared on Doctor Who, and he has! Cleese filmed a cameo in 1979 during Tom Baker’s run as an art fan who discovers the Tardis in a museum. The small role wasn’t publicized at the time and was a secret treat for Who fans. Fortunately, Doctor Who doesn’t rule out previous guest stars from returning in a different role: Peter Capaldi appeared in the episode “The Fires of Pompeii” before taking on the part of the Doctor, and both Freema Ageyman and Karen Gillan were guest stars before becoming full-time companions.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Image via Warner Brothers
Robert Pattinson
Okay, hear me out on this one. Twilight’s own Edward Cullen, aka Robert Pattison, as the Doctor. First of all, the absolute freakouts would be hilarious, from the Doctor Who fans worried they’ll be swarmed by Twilight fans, to the Twilight fans celebrating their idols new gig, to the fans of Pattinson’s later career wondering why he’d give up acting in indie films with David Cronenberg for a big budget TV show.
The young actor who first stole our hearts as the short-lived Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire would be an absolute bonkers choice for the Doctor, which is exactly why I’d be into it. His acting style is nothing like we’ve seen on Doctor Who before (he plays serious almost 100% of the time) and could provide a wholly unique take on a character that’s been played by dozens of actors.
Sometimes you have to think outside the box to find something truly unique and special, and going with a former teen heartthrob turned serious indie actor as opposed to a quirky and charming comedic actor could bring a surprising result. But just think about the Twitter meltdowns and fan reactions! It’d be totally worth it.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Image via Warner Brother Pictures
Evanna Lynch
I think we all can agree that Luna Lovegood would be the perfect companion. She’s smart, inquisitive, willing to believe the impossible and is always up for an adventure. But isn’t that what makes a good Doctor, too? Actress Evanna Lynch would be a complete 180 from the current Doctor – from an older Scot to a young Irish girl – and could take the show into an entirely new direction. Lynch recently took to Instagram to explain her desires to move away from Harry Potter saying that she’s been using her safety net of Harry Potter fan conventions and related work for too long, and wants to branch out and grow artistically.
Jumping into a major, career-defining role could be the change she needs! Many actors who take on the role of the Doctor find their career trajectories changing in big ways after. David Tennant was able to do more theatre like
Many actors who take on the role of the Doctor find their career trajectories changing in big ways after. David Tennant was able to do more theatre like Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing, Matt Smith took on a critically acclaimed role in Netflix’s The Crown, and who knows what Peter Capaldi will do next! Lynch could use this role to work on her acting chops, and then, even more doors will be open to the young star.
Jason Isaacs
Jason Isaacs is another actor who has become more well known for his villainous roles, thanks mostly to his memorable portrayal of high-ranking Death Eater Lucius Malfoy. Isaacs has only played a handful of other villains on TV and in movies. He played the evil Colonel William Tavington in The Patriot, and the voice of General Zhao in Avatar: The Last Airbender. But he still comes across as ominous at times onscreen.
Not to say Isaacs is a bad guy in real life! Quite the opposite, in fact. He comes across as goofy and good-natured. Two qualities necessary for anyone taking on the massive undertaking that is Doctor Who and its fandom.
Isaacs is no stranger to fandom, as he has been a major part of the Harry Potter fandom for years. He power read the Harry Potter books while auditioning for Lucius, and became a massive fan. Once he got the part, he begged J.K. Rowling for more material when she was finishing up the last book. Isaacs’ devotion to all things Potter is relatable for us hardcore fans. It also means he’ll be well prepared for the equally as hardcore devotees of Doctor Who.
Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix Promotional Image. Courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures
Gary Oldman
Almost no one has had a career more diverse than Gary Oldman. He’s done just about everything and played everyone from Sid Vicious (Sid & Nancy) to Dracula (Bram Stoker’s Dracula) and Commissioner Gordon (The Dark Knight Trilogy). Oldman has done voice acting in the Kung-Fu Panda movies, was nominated for an Emmy for a guest appearance on Friends and starred in music videos for David Bowie and Annie Lennox. He’s done just about everything, so why not add ‘playing the Doctor’ to that expansive resume?
Oldman is often considered one of the best actors of his generation, and one of the best actors working today overall. When Oldman appeared as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter films, Daniel Radcliffe called him his role model and someone who’s career he hoped to emulate. Many actors share that sentiment: because of Oldman’s versatility and ability to play any role, he’s been called a role model by Tom Hardy, Ryan Gosling, Colin Firth and more.
Oldman can play big, over the top and idiosyncratic characters with ease, but he can tone it down when necessary, like for his Oscar-nominated role in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Fortunately for him (and for us) the Doctor might require more of the larger than life acting Oldman is best known for.
Downton Abbey Season 6 Promotional Image. Image via PBS
Maggie Smith
Dame Maggie Smith has been an acting legend for more than sixty years, on both stage and screen. She doesn’t need to add another iconic role to her career, but who would say no to her as the Doctor? Or say no to her, period? If the BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress with an additional six Oscar nominations to her name wanted to grace the Tardis with her presence, who are we to complain?
The later roles in Smith’s career have often been grumpy and sharp-witted ladies, like Downton Abbey’s Violet Crawley. But that doesn’t mean her iteration of the Doctor would have to be a grumpy old lady. Smith has a background in drama and comedy, and is one of the few actors to win an Academy Award for work in a comedy film! She picked up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the comedy California Suite. Some of her more recent roles have also been comedies, like The Great Exotic Marigold Hotel film and its sequel. While it’s far from the stern and strict Professor McGonagall we’re used to, a comedic turn as the Doctor could be an unexpected and fun exercise for the noted actor.
Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Promotional Photo. Image via Warner Brothers Pictures
Rupert Grint
The Doctor wants to be a redhead, so why not make him the most famous redhead around? When the Doctor first regenerated into Ten (David Tennant), he lamented that he still wasn’t a ginger. Eleven (Matt Smith) repeated the frustration. The Doctor wants red hair, so let’s give it to him! If Rupert Grint steps into the TARDIS, the Doctor will become the ultimate ginger, aka Ron Weasley!
Grint’s been one of the more low-key post-Harry Potter actors, but he’s recently taken on some bigger TV roles. He’ll be starring and executive producing the new show Snatch for Crackle, based on the Guy Ritchie film of the same name. He also filmed a TV series with Nick Frost called Sick Note, set to air in 2017. With this newfound interest in television, a stint for Grint on Doctor Who as the Thirteenth Doctor seems very plausible! Grint’s comedic timing was key to his portrayal of Ron. It was something that got him praised as a promising child actor way back at the start of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Those comedic chops could really shine as the Doctor and make Grint an even bigger star. Lucky number 13 could finally let the Doctor become a ginger.
Natalia Tena
Natalia Tena could go from the Wizarding World to Winterfell to the TARDIS! Tena is best known for playing Tonks in four of the Harry Potter films. Then she joined Game of Thrones as Osha, making her another actor well-versed in all kinds of sci-fi and fantasy worlds. If she can handle the tough conditions and long filming conditions North of the Wall, she can certainly handle a trip through space.
The British-Spanish actress is also an accomplished musician with the band Molotov Jukebox. Tena sings and plays the accordion. Skill that the Doctor surely must have picked up at some point in his life! She’s a woman who comes across as confident and proud to march to the beat of her own drum. Another trait that would make her Doctor great. A Tena Doctor would be smart, assertive and unabashedly original. Add in her musical talents, multilingualism (she speaks fluent Spanish!) and Tonks-like propensity for colourful hair, and we’ve got an eccentric Doctor that would definitely be one of a kind. And that’s before you even factor in she’d be the first lady Doctor! It’d be a memorable iteration of the Doctor no matter what.
David Thewlis
David Thewlis has always been more of a character actor, working in supporting roles for most of his career, but it could be time for a flashy, leading man part like the Doctor. Thewlis was actually suggested for the role back in 2005, after Christopher Eccleston left. But the part ultimately went to David Tennant. His name has been tossed around as a potential Doctor since then, with fans and TV critics all thinking he could bring something special to the role.
Thewlis’ career has mostly stayed away from major productions like Doctor Who. Instead he opts for films like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Theory of Everything and Anomalisa. The major exception to that rule is, of course, Harry Potter, where he played beloved Professor Lupin. Thewlis’ reluctant and introverted Lupin could provide a good model for what he would do as the Doctor. One that’s more guarded and reserved, and less whimsical or adventure-seeking. Someone closer to Nine’s avoidance to talking about the war, but desire to connect one-on-one, as opposed to Eleven’s often childlike behaviour. A private and bookish Doctor would be an interesting departure from previous incarnations of the character. Thewlis could really bring his own essence to the character.
Imelda Staunton
Dolores Umbridge is about as far from the Doctor as you can get. She’d make a decent Doctor Who villain with her ruthlessness and absolute loyalty to an evil government, maybe a member of the Slitheen. But Umbridge is almost the polar opposite of the free-thinking Doctor who is the ultimate force for good.
Fortunately, Imelda Staunton is an actress with the ability to wear many hats. Her take on the Doctor wouldn’t be anything like the most despised character in all of Harry Potter. Her career has focused heavily on the theatre. She’s performed in the West End and the National Theatre, winning Olivier Awards for her work. On film, she’s done many period pieces like Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, Sense and Sensibility, and Vera Drake, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. Staunton considers herself a character actress. She likes to choose interesting, odd parts, and the Doctor would certainly fit that category.
Her Doctor should leave the Umbridge-esque qualities at the door. Instead she should channel her character Helfina from the movie Pride. A no-nonsense leader that people trust and while she may seem overly serious, but she can let loose from time to time. Needless to say, that’s much better than a cruel and condescending teacher who tortures her students.
Matthew Lewis
Now that Neville Longbottom has grown up, and grown up well, he is welcome to star in just about anything. Back in 2015, actor Matthew Lewis revealed a major transformation in a shirtless photoshoot for Attitude magazine. Harry Potter fans were shocked to see that the slightly chubby, awkward and bucktoothed Neville had magically transformed into a muscular and handsome guy. The big reveal became an online sensation, with even People magazine calling him the internet’s new boyfriend. J.K. Rowling, meanwhile, was scandalized.
His post-Harry Potter makeover has gotten almost as much press as his career. He’s appeared on stage. He joined the BBC show Ripper Street and he had a supporting role in the romantic comedy Me Before You. With his acting career still in the burgeoning phase, it’s hard to say exactly what kind of Doctor he’d be. He could be smooth and suave, dorky and unsure or something else altogether. There are endless possibilities with the Doctor. Lewis could figure out how to put his own spin on the character. The only thing that’s for certain is that he’d be a handsome Doctor. The promo photo shoots wouldn’t be nearly as good as his Attitude one.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Daniel Radcliffe seen arriving at BBC Radio 2 on September 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)
Daniel Radcliffe
Full disclosure: there is no way Daniel Radcliffe will take on the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who. At least not at this stage of his career. After spending a decade working on the Harry Potter films, Radcliffe has been enjoying his creative freedoms and working both on stage (Equus, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying). He’s also aimed for mostly offbeat indie films (Swiss Army Man, The F Word). He doesn’t seem to keen to dive back into heavy production schedules and big studio fare, like a stint on Doctor Who would certainly be.
But let’s put aside logic for a second and just dream. How great would Radcliffe be as the Doctor? He’s a ball of energy! He’s an actor who likes to throw himself into the part completely and rise to every challenge. Whether it be learning to sing and dance, or dropping all his clothes (that likely wouldn’t be required for Who). He’d be a fun, manic and exciting take on the Doctor.
Next: 50 Harry Potter Roles We Think Would be Fun to Recast
That’s not even counting how great it would be to see Harry Potter himself navigating the Tardis. (I demand he gets two companions, one ginger and one bushy-haired. No reason.)