Hugh Grant as the new Doctor Who is just the latest casting rumour playing havoc in the media

Hugh Grant has shot down rumours that he is in talks to take over as the new Doctor in Doctor Who from Jodie Whittaker. An exclusive in the Daily Mirror last week claimed that he was being lined up by the BBC to play the 14th Doctor for its 60th anniversary in 2023.

But this week Grant ended speculation by writing on Twitter: “Nothing against Dr W but I’m not. No idea where the story came from.”

The trouble with unverified reports is – you can’t believe them. Casting rumours are always rife in Hollywood. Is Tom Hardy the new James Bond? Is Taron Egerton joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe – specifically as Wolverine?

While many actors decline to comment on casting rumours, sometimes they even resort to lying in interviews to protect franchise secrets – or perhaps it’s more genuine as nothing is confirmed yet.

Andrew Garfield, who played Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and its 2014 sequel, said in interviews that Spider-Man: No Way Home casting rumours were “a cool idea” but “so crazy” and “I did not get a call”, despite reprising the role in 2021.

Benedict Cumberbatch denied outright he was playing the villain Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) calling it “speculation” – and insisted he was playing a mysterious character called John Harrison. While Grant may well be a perfect match to play the Doctor, conversations may well not be in progress, despite an “insider source” claiming returning showrunner Russell T Davies is keen for the Four Weddings and a Funeral and Paddington 2 actor to “bring a fresh feel to the role”.

Surely there is no smoke without fire? It’s not such a bizarre tip-off if it’s true. Grant first played the Doctor in a 1999 Comic Relief sketch but turned down the role when he was asked by Davies for the rebooted show in 2007.

Maybe Grant is just throwing us off the scent. Quite frankly, who knows? Or could the juicy rumour that David Tennant is reprising the role of the Doctor be true after all? I hope so.

Yours,

Charlotte Cripps

Culture writer