Earlier this year, Tom Hanks endorsed English actor Idris Elba to portray the iconic character of James Bond on the silver screen. Appreciating Elba’s acting skills and ability to pull off the suave Bond suit, Hanks’ endorsement received a mixed reaction from fans. However, with some of his comments on the famous Doctor Who series, the Inferno actor risked being the most hated man in England.
During an interview with the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hanks weighed in on the intriguing possibility of portraying the iconic British sci-fi character, Doctor Who.
Tom Hanks addressed the potential role of Doctor Who and the challenge of an American Time Lord
Having graced the television screens for more than six decades, Doctor Who has witnessed around thirteen different actors taking up the role of the Time Lord. During his conversation on the podcast, Tom Hanks revealed that the actor who played the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi had suggested Hanks to be the next Time Lord.
Although Hanks did express his enthusiasm over the possibilities, he did acknowledge that there was a possibility of backlash from the fans. Pointing out how the casting choice might invite criticism, Hanks said,
“That would’ve been a blast, but that’s all, that’s all scheduling I guess. Can’t do every job. And honestly, me as Doctor Who– can you imagine? Can you imagine the outrage? I’m an American, and I’m gonna go over, and I’m gonna jump in that you know, red telephone box, and you know, and either wear a scarf and whatever it is.”
Well, can anyone blame Hanks for believing that? Scared how his nationality might prove to be a hurdle in the casting process, Hanks went on to explain the intricate relationship between a character and an actor’s nationality.
Tom Hanks elaborated on why an actor’s nationality is important while making casting choices
While talking to podcast host Josh Horowitz, Hanks added that if an actor shares the same nationality as the character, it becomes easier to instill a sense of authenticity. He explained that drawing parallels can help an individual to understand the identity of the character in a much more effective manner. He said,
“I don’t think Anthony Quinn could play Zorba the Greek in today’s popular judgment, you know. But why? You know why Josh– cause he’s not Greek. So imagine the– imagine the cry if I had played world-famous– I would’ve played one of the Daleks, maybe. I would’ve been inside one of those big salt and pepper shakers talking in that automated voice– with an English accent, by the way.”
While the idea of the Inferno actor taking on the iconic role may raise eyebrows, maybe making him the most hated actor in England, the idea of an American Doctor Who isn’t entirely out question. Reportedly, American actor and host Neil Patrick Harris is slated to play a villain in an upcoming 60th-anniversary special alongside returning Doctor, David Tennant.
Source: Happy, Sad, Confused (via ScreenRant)
