Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies didn't hold back when asked about so-called fans who claim he’s turned the long-running sci-fi series “woke.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Davies addressed criticism from what he called “online warriors” who have taken issue with recent casting choices—namely, Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa stepping into the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor in 2023.
Alongside Gatwa, actor Varada Sethu now plays the Doctor’s new companion, Belinda Chandra. It’s the first time both leading roles in Doctor Who have been portrayed by actors of color—a shift that’s sparked backlash from some corners of the internet.
Gatwa, in a recent interview with Radio Times, said the casting represents meaningful “progress, in terms of how we reflect the societies that we live in.”
Davies appears to agree, making it clear that the future of the franchise isn’t just about time travel—it’s about moving forward, too.
He posted the audio on his Instagram so that folks could listen to his whole perspective.
“And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues. And I have no time for this. I don’t have a second to bear [it]. Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.”
Davies then warmed to his subject, letting the genius of his way with words paint a picture of diversity in art being akin to opening a door and seeing the whole world, whereas limiting one's view is more like cracking open a window to only smell exhaust fumes.
"Come over here, where the life and light and sound is."
It's worth a full listen.
Many people loved his metaphor and way with words.
@theanniewallace/Instagram
@faizr_insta/Instagram
@loopyfrog_geek/Instagram
Especially the ending.
@tommytinker1991/Instagram
Folks were really into the analogy, especially by this writer.
@doctorwho_chronological/Instagram
@magicpen87/Instagram
Others took the segment as an opportunity to express how much they adore Doctor Who right now, and always.
@sharonspinkact/Instagram
Some commenters chimed in with how much the show meant to them personally.
@titanium_doa/Instagram
@ashleyjparker97/Instagram
They extended pity towards those who, as Davies put it, only see life through a cracked window.
@kendoken1968/Instagram
Because truly, it's those stuck inside that are missing out on the world.
@herrjohnssen/Instagram
People argued that those who complain about Doctor Who being "woke" don't understand the term.
@danr017/Instagram
Because Doctor Who is for everyone.
@johnthegrieg/Instagram
Doctor Who is available on Max and Disney+.
