Executive producer Steven Moffat reveals Capaldi was considered as the 11th Doctor, but 'there comes a right time for the right person to play it.'
- Aug 5, 2013
AceShowbiz - The new Doctor of "Doctor Who" has been revealed as promised last weekend. During a live special on Sunday, August 4, Scottish actor Peter Capaldi was confirmed to be the 12th Doctor, replacing Matt Smith.
"It's so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer," said Capaldi, who claimed to be a lifelong fan of the show. "I haven't played Doctor Who since I was 9," he added, while host Zoe Ball showed a fan letter Capaldi wrote when he was 15 years old to express how much he loved the sci-fi series.
Executive producer Steven Moffat said the 55-year-old actor had been considered when they were casting the 11th Doctor. Eventually, "there comes a right time for the right person to play it," he stated.
Capaldi previously appeared on "Doctor Who" in a 2008 episode titled "The Fires of Pompeii" alongside the 10th Doctor, David Tennant.
Smith congratulated his successor in a videotaped message from Los Angeles, "I just want to wish my successor all the best and say good luck and good on you for getting it... It's going to be a thrill." The 11th Doctor additionally said of his departure, "There are no parts like this. I loved it, I'll miss it, but when you gotta go, you gotta go."
Smith will still be seen in the 50th anniversary special on November 23 and in the Christmas special. "Doctor Who Christmas Special" will also introduce the new Doctor.
