Jonathan Groff joining Ncuti Gatwa in Doctor Who is impeccable casting for the BBC show – and a brilliant next adventure for the Frozen actor.
Jonathan Groff is joining the new series of Doctor Who, per an official BBC announcement — and that might be the most exciting news since David Tennant’s return to the TARDIS. While as usual fans aren’t getting any specifics on who the Frozen and Mindhunter actor is playing, it doesn’t necessarily matter, because it’s an incredible opportunity on both sides. By casting Groff, Doctor Who adds one of the most charismatic and well-rounded actors opposite Ncuti Gatwa’s exciting 15th Doctor.
And for Groff supporters, it’s time to become lovers of Doctor Who. With Russell T. Davies returning to the helm, the venerable sci-fi show is completely open with storytelling possibilities. It’s also a wonderful next step at the perfect time in the Emmy and Tony nominee’s career. “I am so thrilled to jump into the extraordinary mind of Russell T. Davies and watch the incredible Ncuti Gatwa soar in this iconic role!” Groff enthused to the BBC, but he might be about to do something iconic himself.
Jonathan Groff Fits Wonderfully Into the Doctor Who Universe
Jonathan Groff earned his genre credentials in 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. He stepped into that complicated universe and made it look easy; if he can handle the Wachowskis’ labyrinthine plots, he can hold his own in Davies’ creative world. But Groff also never got the credit he deserved for how he transformed the character of Smith into something unique, while simultaneously preserving what Hugo Weaving did to make the character memorable in the first place. His work on Resurrections is the exemplar of how to respect an established universe while contributing to it, which is exactly what his mission will be on Doctor Who.
And that’s not the only reason why Doctor Who has gained from his casting. The series is timeless because it carries a constant spirit of wonder and adventure, throwing itself completely into wherever it goes. Audiences are already seeing that in Gatwa’s Doctor, who’s embraced 1960s style to merge past and future. There’s incredible character development in Doctor Who, but it always comes with an open heart, even at in its darkest times. Anyone who’s seen any of Groff’s interviews knows how energetic, self-deprecating and joyful he is in real life — and there’s no way that doesn’t come through on-screen. He will light up whatever role Davies has in mind for him and add even more spark to an already crackling show, in addition to pulling in viewers who’ve never taken a ride in the TARDIS before. Because of Groff’s star power and the way he makes every story feel exciting, he has a very real chance of creating new Doctor Who fans.
Another high note for #DoctorWho! 💫
Award-winning star of stage and screen J onathan Groff joins the cast of the upcoming series in a key role. Find out more here ➡️ https://t.co/x1zLJJcsF2
pic.twitter.com/7GGvJ0q7hG— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 5, 2023
Doctor Who Gives Jonathan Groff a Chance to Lighten Up
Aside from the upcoming Broadway revival of Merrily We Roll Along, Groff has been doing some very heavy lifting lately. And even that is a challenge — playing the lead character in a Stephen Sondheim musical for the first time on the Great White Way since 1981. But non-theatre buffs will recall Groff’s anguished performance in Knock at the Cabin in January 2023, which ended tragically for his character. On the TV front, he’s still best known as Holden Ford in Mindhunter, which was a psychological tour de force. Groff successfully stepped away from his more light-hearted or comedic characters and took on darker roles with both hands… and it’s time to go back.
Groff’s versatility is remarkable, especially in present-day entertainment where it’s so easy for actors to get typecast. He’s evaded that thus far by never staying in one lane for very long. Doctor Who is as opposite from Knock at the Cabin and Mindhunter as one can get. It’s optimistic, fun and fast-paced, and both heroes and villains get to have senses of humor (see: John Simm’s uproarious version of The Master). He will be completely in his element in front of TV audiences who may only know him from the more serious stuff. Yet while complex, challenging roles and projects are great, sometimes it’s rewarding just to have a great time — which is exactly what Jonathan Groff is going to have on Doctor Who.
