UPDATED: Jonathan Groff has started filming for the new Doctor Who series. The BBC has revealed his character for the first time in his mysterious key role alongside Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson.
EARLIER: Stage and screen star Jonathan Groff will play a key role in the new series of the long-running and hugely popular BBC series ‘Doctor Who’.
“Doctor Who” began in 1963 and follows the adventures of a Time Lord known as The Doctor, an alien with human appearance. The Doctor travels the universe in a time-traveling starship called the Tardis.
While there’s no indication as to what exactly Groff’s role will be, “he’s on his way to hop aboard the Tardis in a mysterious and exciting guest star,” says a statement from the BBC.
Groff rose to prominence when he played the role of Jesse St. James in the musical comedy drama ‘Glee’. Since then, he has been celebrated for his work on screen, from starring as Eric in M. Night Shyamalan’s blockbuster hit ‘Knock at the Cabin’ to playing Holden Ford in the critically acclaimed series ‘Mindhunter’ directed by David Fincher. The actor also played the new Agent Smith in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and is known for his voice acting roles in the Frozen franchise.
On Broadway, Groff’s performance as King George III in “Hamilton” was nominated for a Tony Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for the live performance.
Jodie Whittaker, the 13th Doctor in the series, regenerated last year and revealed David Tennant, who was the 10th Doctor, as the 14th Doctor. The series returns in November, with Tennant as the Doctor, with three special episodes to coincide with the show’s 60th anniversary.
The next Doctor, played by “Sex Education” star Ncuti Gatwa, will take control of the Tardis after Tennant. Gatwa’s first episode as the 15th Doctor airs during the holiday season.
Jinkx Monsoon, winner of the fifth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and the seventh season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars”, has also joined the cast.
Groff said, “I’m so excited to jump into the extraordinary mind of Russell T Davies and see the incredible Ncuti Gatwa soar in this iconic role.”
Showrunner, Russell T Davies said: “This is an incredible coup and a great honor to have such a huge star on our set. So put on your space boots, this is going to be amazing.”
“Doctor Who” premieres exclusively on the BBC for the UK and Ireland. Disney+ will be the exclusive home for new seasons of “Doctor Who” outside the UK and Ireland.