Title Change in Doctor Who's Wardrobe: Russell T Davies Explains Ncuti Gatwa's Fashion Variations
Doctor Who's New Approach to Cosplay: A Variety of Outfits for the Fifteenth Doctor
The Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, is breaking new ground in the world of Doctor Who cosplay. Gone are the days of a single iconic outfit for the Doctor, as the new series features a variety of costumes that reflect the character's transformative nature.
In a departure from previous Doctors, the costumes in the new series are designed to change with each planet or time period visited. This means fans can see the Doctor in everything from a Regency era costume to a meticulously tailored pinstripe suit inspired by 1960s Rolling Stones style, an elaborate tartan jacket with a kilt, a stunning all-white look, and a leather coat drawing from 1970s America mixed with UK 1980s ska influences.
In the 2023 Christmas special "The Church on Ruby Road," the Doctor even wore three different costumes, showcasing the flexibility of the character's wardrobe choices.
This approach democratizes cosplay, enabling fans to choose from a wide variety of looks rather than being restricted to a single iconic outfit. The diverse and charismatic wardrobe means cosplayers can express creativity and individuality, picking costumes that resonate with them or creating unique versions inspired by the different styles the Doctor adopts.
This variety aligns with the Doctor's chameleon-like nature and encourages more inclusive and expansive participation in cosplay communities. Showrunner Russell T Davies emphasized this democratization of the Doctor's outfit, stating that anyone can wear it.
The Doctor Who costume department continues to create a variety of outfits for the new series, reflecting the character's transformative nature. The costumes include various sci-fi looks embellished by the costumers to fit themes while still being suitable for Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor.
The new series of Doctor Who is currently airing weekly on Disney+ and BBC One, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on upcoming releases from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who.
Russell T Davies believes that cosplay is a hobby worth spending money on and expressed his enjoyment of the idea that cosplayers can have more room for different looks with the new Doctor. He stated that the lack of ownership over the Doctor's outfit means anyone can claim to be the Doctor.
In conclusion, the Fifteenth Doctor's multiple costume changes across episodes serve a narrative purpose and also foster a more inclusive, imaginative, and accessible cosplay culture by providing a broad ensemble of iconic and stylistically varied outfits to emulate.
- This democratization of the Doctor's outfit, as emphasized by showrunner Russell T Davies, opens up the possibility for fans to explore various looks from Gizmodo's television series, Doctor Who, aligning with the future of entertainment where Movies-and-TV and cosplay converge.
- The flexibility of the Doctor's wardrobe choices, showcased in the 2023 Christmas special "The Church on Ruby Road," offers the Io9 community a chance to emulate the Doctor's impressive ensemble, which spans from a Regency era costume to outfits inspired by 1960s Rolling Stones style, 1970s America, and UK 1980s ska influences.
- As the new series continues to air weekly on Disney+ and BBC One, fans can anticipate the latest technology-infused costumes from the Doctor Who costume department, each reflecting the Doctor's ever-changing nature, shaping the future of cosplay and entertainment.
