NEIL Patrick Harris is the latest famous face to join the cast of Doctor Who for the show’s 60th anniversary special – and he has undersgone quite the transformation for the role.
Russell T Davies – Doctor Who‘s showrunner – announced the Hollywood star’s casting on social media.
“Neil Patrick Harris, welcome to Cardiff!” he wrote, alongside a picture of Neil Patrick’s character.
In it, the actor appears to have undergone a total transformation and is sporting grey, curly hair, spectacles and a period costume for the role.
Russell also teased Neil Patrick’s upcoming appearance, saying he’s “playing the greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced.”
“Such a great actor, such a great man, it’s an honour and a hoot. Have fun!” Russell added.
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Shortly after Russell’s announcement, the How I Met Your Mother alum reposted the picture, commenting that he’s “never looked more dashing.”
“Thank you for inviting me into your Whoniverse, @russelltdavies63. I’ll try my hardest to do my worst. This Doctor has no idea what’s in store. And even if he does… Who cares? Ha ha ha HA ha-ha-ha!” he added.
Neil Patrick’s casting comes a month after the BBC confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa playing the 14th Doctor, taking over from current actress Jodie Whittaker.
Jodie, 39, began playing the Time Lord in 2017 and is set to appear on screen one final time as the character, with her last scenes airing in a 90-minute special in October.
Jodie broke the mould as the first woman to play the Doctor and now she’s handing over the reins to Ncuti, 29, who is the first black man to take up the mantle.
The Sex Education star was the perfect choice for the role according to Russell, who said: “Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.
“Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds.”
Viewers will see Ncuti and Neil Patrick’s characters face off in the 60th anniversary special which is expected to air in November 2023.
The new Doctor will also be joined by fan-favourite stars, David Tennant, 51, and Catherine Tate, 54, who played the 10th Doctor and his companion Donna Noble, respectively.
Additionally, the BBC announced Yasmin Finney has joined the Doctor Who cast. Like Ncuti, 18-year-old Yasmin comes hot off the heels of a popular Netflix show. The actress wowed as Elle Argent in Heartstopper and will now play Rose in the upcoming series.
Although her character shares the same name as one of David Tennant’s former companions (played by Billie Piper), the exact details of Yasmin’s role have yet to be confirmed.
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“If anyone would have told eight-year-old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show, I would have never in a million years believed them,” the actress gushed.
“I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get Ready.”
