Polygon recently had a virtual chat with Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu, the stars of Doctor Who’s new season. They shared their excitement about the filming process, particularly the costume elements.
“I love the outfits,” Sethu expressed enthusiastically. “The outfit reveals are so exciting. The first time we see each other on set in our costumes, we often don’t know how to react.”
Gatwa added, with both sharing a laugh, “No, we don’t!”
Sethu recreated their on-set reactions, exclaiming, “You look amazing! Look at that!” She mentioned how thrilling it was to see Gatwa’s outfit for each episode. “I couldn’t wait for the first day of shooting to see how we look.”
Introducing new outfit reveals every episode marks a change for Doctor Who, a show usually known for one iconic look per Doctor. These signature looks, whether it’s a pinstripe suit, a question-mark cane, or a unique cardigan, have become synonymous with each Doctor.
A costume change often signifies a new chapter for the Doctor. When the Doctor regenerates, the transition to a new costume marks the shift from the previous Doctor’s era to the new.
In contrast, Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor showcases a fresh, fashion-forward look almost every episode, presenting a challenge to establish a definitive style for the Fifteenth Doctor. Russell T Davies, the long-time showrunner, hopes that Gatwa’s vibrant style, created by costume designer Pam Downe, will encourage casual cosplay.
Davies shared with Polygon, “I love making it accessible for cosplayers. In one episode, he wore jeans and a duffle coat. In the finale, it was Levi’s and a leather jacket. Anyone can easily cosplay.”
Recognizing that cosplay can require significant resources and effort, Davies added, “There’s also that spontaneous cosplayer, someone who wants to embody Doctor Who on a whim. Now, they can don jeans and a duffle coat and declare, ‘I’m the Doctor.'”
This approach democratizes the Doctor’s image, allowing anyone to claim the role by adapting the attire. Davies acknowledged that some cosplayers would relish recreating each of Gatwa’s outfits, seeing it as a “collector’s joy.”
Ultimately, what defines this Doctor’s ensemble? “It’s all about Ncuti,” Davies said. “Whatever he wears looks magnificent.
