Why not be the Doctor...

[fajrdrako]

I just read a great quote from actor Simon Pegg, who was asked (presumably by a journalist) if he'd like to play the Doctor on Doctor Who.

He said no. "I really love Doctor Who and would hate to sit down on Saturday night and have it be me."

I wonder if his answer would change if the Doctor Who casting people were doing the asking.

Comments

[rustydog.livejournal.com]

That's a good point - if you're the star, you couldn't be a *fan* in the same way. Though if it were a real possibility to *be* the star? Very tempting, I'd think!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'm sure it's different for David Tennant when he sits down to watch Doctor Who than it is for me, and a different experience from the one he had when he watched the show thirty years ago as just another kid in the audience. But he's still a fan. Just look at his face in the Confidentials when he sees a favourite prop, or meets one of the actors he remembers from his childhood. He's still totally a fan.

I suspect that even for Pegg, the role would be tempting. First, for artistic reasons - I think it'd be a fun role for any actor, and a challenge. But that potential paycheque of more than a million pounds per year that Tennant is said to have been offered would probably be tempting, too. Not to mention the worldwide audience.

It's easy to not be tempted by something you haven't been offered.

[rustydog.livejournal.com]

Oh, right, I didn't mean he couldn't still *be* a fan. Clearly! The whole crew, most of the writing staff and a some of the cast seem to be fans. :) But being part of the creative process changes things significantly. So I can understand his hesitation on that front, especially if he wonders if he could live up to his own expectations. On the other hand, as you say, if the production team told them they thought he could do it...

(When Ten saw Sarah Jane in School Reunion, I really felt like I was watching David Tennant fanboying over Liz Sladen. :)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I can understand his hesitation on that front, especially if he wonders if he could live up to his own expectations.

David Tennant said he had the same worry. And probably still does. But success must bring a certain satisfaction and reassurance, too.

I really felt like I was watching David Tennant fanboying over Liz Sladen.

Yes, absolutely! And... quite right, too.