While his appearances inBridgertonandWickedhave made him a household name, Russell T Davies hopes to bring Jonathan Bailey toDoctorWhoin an all-new role. Before joining Netflix’s period drama as Anthony Bridgerton,Bailey portrayed Psi in theDoctorWhoseason 8 episode Time Heist, alongsidePeter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctorand Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald. At the time of writing, Bailey had soared onto the big screen as Prince Fiyero inWicked, the shallow student Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba encounters in her studies at Shiz University.
Recently, Davies revealed toScreenRantthathe hopes to bring Bailey back to the Whoniverseafter recruitingBridgertonco-star Nicola Coughlan to star inDoctorWho’s2024 Christmas special. Highlighting Adjoa Adoh’s dual Whoniverse roles as a precedent for bringing back multiple actors, Davies shared that he hopes to encourage Bailey to return after briefly spending time with season 14 guest star andBridgerton’sQueen Charlotte actor Golda Rosheuval:
We’ve had a lot with Adjoa Andoh. We bumped into Golda Rosheuvel the other day at the theater. Jonathan Bailey’s been in it. I would bring Jonathan Bailey back any day.
Furthermore, Davies expressed that he would like to recruit anyone from the Netflix series to make an appearance during the Time Lord’s journey. Check out Davies' declaration below:
We’ve used a lot, but yeah, anyone who was in that show is good news, really, so yes.
There Are Few Restrictions Stopping Actors From Returning To The Whoniverse
It would be hard to imagine a series wanting to recruit actors for multiple on-screen roles without a reason. However, arguably,Doctor Whohas often decided to ignore such a restrictionsince classic era actors like Julian Glover and Colin Baker portrayed multiple characters, the latter even going on to play the Sixth Doctor. This has continued into the modern era, as Peter Capaldi, Freeman Agyman, and Eve Myles were given reasons and links between their dual roles. Others such as Karen Gillan and David Bradley were cast in major roles following their guest appearances.
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Since its revival in 2005, Doctor Who has featured many different actors. But which actors have played several different characters on the show?
This disregard remains true in Davies' new era. Indira Varma returned toDoctor Whoin a new role after appearing in the spin-offTorchwood, while season 14’sVarada Sethu is set to reappear inDoctor Whoseason 15as new companion Belinda after impressing Davies during production. Furthermore, Davies also cast Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Russell Tovey in leading roles in the upcoming spin-offThe War Between The Land And Sea. As such, it is evident that the showrunner is focused on performance over lore in his new tenure.
Our Thoughts On Bailey’s Doctor Who Casting Hopes
The Actor May Have Some Time For The Whoniverse
WhileWicked’s box office performance is a promising sign for Bailey’s future, the star isalready set for further success in 2025 withWicked: For GoodandJurassic World Rebirth. Bailey’s busy schedule could mean that hisDoctor Whocasting chances are low, but it doesn’t mean that he could be totally ruled out.
ThoughDoctor Who’s future remains uncertain beyond season 15 until Disney evaluates its performance in 2025, Davies may be able to bring Bailey back to the franchise.
David Tennant returned to portray the Fourteenth Doctor in 2023’s 60th-anniversary special, even though he had roles inGoodOmensandStarWarsaround the same time. Ncuti Gatwa not only signed onto the series as he was concluding Netflix’s hit comedySex Educationbut he was also involved withBarbie. This proves that even high-profile stars managed to find the time to film Doctor Who within their busy schedule. ThoughDoctor Who’s future remains uncertain beyond season 15 until Disney evaluates its performance in 2025, Davies may be able to bring Bailey back to the franchise.
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Doctor Who: Released on June 30, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
