Who is Who?
The sentence “Peter Capaldi is the new Doctor Who” might leave many people asking the question: “who?” for several reasons. One might be “Who is Peter Capaldi?” Perhaps it could mean “Who is Doctor Who?” Another still might be “Who am I?” which of course is a completely different topic all together.
Peter Capaldi was announced as the 12th person to play the titular role of Doctor Who during a live broadcast on Sunday.
“It’s so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer,” he told reporters. “I haven’t played Doctor Who since I was 9 on the playground.”
Peter Capaldi is a 55-year-old Scottish actor who most recently appeared in Brad Pitt’s World War Z this summer. In 1995, Peter Capaldi won an Academy Award for his short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life.
Peter Capaldi, will take over the role from current Doctor Matt Smith after he ends his run later in 2013. As previously mentioned, Capaldi will be the 12th Doctor since the show debuted in 1963; he will be the fourth version of the character since the series reboot in 2005. Capaldi also has appeared on Doctor Who once previously, as a guest star in 2008.
So now you have a little bit of an idea of who Peter Capaldi is, let us move on to murkier waters shall we? Who/what is Doctor Who?
Doctor Who is probably one of three things for you: A) the greatest thing that has ever happened to you; a science fiction masterpiece. B) A silly piece of nerd culture that you will have nothing to do with. C) a venerable piece of pop culture that you have some respect for but have never watched out of indifference.
For the time being, I fall into the “C” crowd.
Doctor Who (known simply as the Doctor) travels time and space in his sentient ship TARDIS. The role of the Doctor changes hands in the show in a process called “regeneration” which will likely facilitate Peter Capaldi’s entrance into the series.
It’s a heady show for sure. Personally I think I prefer Inspector Spacetime. (Ehhh Community fans??)
