It’s an almost impossible task for actors appearing on Doctor Who to shed their image as the role they played on the series. This is due to fans solely seeing them as their characters even years after their departure. And yet, the cast of the show have been in high profile and critically acclaimed works.
In case you’re wondering about the level of range these actors possess, then you’ll be very intrigued to learn they’ve been involved in a number of TV shows and films varying in genre. That said, here are 10 actors from Doctor Who in other media you need to see.
Christopher Eccleston - Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Before audiences were wondering whether Thor could beat Thanos or not, he had Malekith to face. In this film, the Dark Elves invade Asgard in order to procure the Aether, a substance that can change reality however the wielder wants it to be.
Most viewers are still unaware that a former Doctor played the role of a main villain in the MCU, with Christopher Eccleston taking on the role of Malekith. While the material he had wasn’t the best, the actor does portray the role with appropriate menace.
Arthur Darvill - Legends Of Tomorrow (2016-Present)
With numerous threats to the timeline in the universe, a team comprised of superheroes is assembled to travel at different points in time to stop major catastrophes. During their adventures, the heroes are faced with challenges they need to band together to overcome.
After being the companion Rory, it’s very interesting to see him play the role of the leader of time travelers in this series. His role is greater in the first two seasons, but that time’s enough to get you hooked on the show for the long haul.
Karen Gilan - The Party's Just Beginning (2018)
A severely depressed woman is on the verge of taking her own life when she meets a stranger with a dark past. Through their interactions, she learns she’s not the only one dealing with love and loss, something that finally brings her hope.
Not only did Karen Gilan star in this film, she also wrote and directed it. It’s a remarkable change of speed from her usual happier material, and The Party’s Just Beginning showcases her creative mind and acting range.
Matt Smith - Lost River (2014)
In a rundown neighborhood, a number of characters with intertwining stories are seen as they push the boundaries of decency in order to make a living. When things get out of hand, the situation turns into a live-or-die scenario as a “curse” haunts them.
It’s a bizarre film for sure, as Ryan Gosling’s directorial effort requires a whole lot of analysis to understand. However, Matt Smith’s turn as a vicious man with zero redeeming qualities is something to behold as he takes a complete 180-turn from the Doctor into a deplorable human being.
Alex Kingston - ER (1994-2009)
The lives of doctors working in the emergency room are detailed in this drama, where a whole lot more happens than meets the eye. Over the course of a decade and a half, the doctors encounter numerous struggles and tragedies.
Before she was bamboozling viewers as River Song, Alex Kingston had a fairly straightforward but dramatic turn as Elizabeth Corday. Playing the character for over seven years, she was one of the main of the cast and returned to finish off Corday’s storylines for the series finale.
Peter Capaldi - The Thick Of It (2005-2012)
In what serves as a “super department” for the government, a number of questionable characters oversee numerous on-goings of the political office. With the extremely aggressive Malcolm Tucker overlooking proceedings, pretty much everything is doomed to fail.
Those who know him only as the Doctor will be left open-jawed at Peter Capaldi’s portrayal of Malcolm Tucker, a foulmouthed “enforcer” whose rage knows no bounds. With his words articulated solely through the use of profanity, the show sets him up as the ultimate jerk you hate to love.
Jenna Coleman - Victoria (2016-Present)
The early life of Queen Victoria is detailed in this drama, as she goes through the struggles of being thrust into responsibility for her kingdom and her family. As the story is told, it’s seen that there was more to the monarch’s life than what is commonly known.
Jenna Coleman does have that regal look to her, which is why she comes across as the perfect casting choice for Queen Victoria. Not having to jump into the TARDIS as Clara always had to, this series does a fair job at showing a different side of the actress.
David Tennant - Fright Night (2011)
A teenager suspects his neighbor to be a vampire, something that no-one takes seriously. However, once it becomes clear his suspicions were correct, the vampire decides to kill the boy and everyone he knows to guard his secret.
Fresh off Doctor Who, David Tennant was seen in an against-type role as Peter Vincent. Here, he plays a cynical man who happens to be an expert in vampires. Starting off as a real jerk, Vincent develops into a helpful ally whose eccentricity makes him the breakout character.
Michelle Gomez - Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018-Present)
On the outside, Sabrina Spellman might seem like a normal teenager. However, in reality, she is a witch who regularly faces dark forces of magic. Although she attempts to have a normal life, Sabrina learns that’s probably not possible as evil lurks at every corner.
Fans unanimously loved Michelle Gomez as the evil Missy on Doctor Who, and there’s more where that performance came from in this series. Starring as the demon Lilith, her character is frequently up to no good, as her malicious intentions become increasingly dangerous by the episode.
Jodie Whittaker - Broadchurch (2013-2017)
The death of a young boy prompts a massive hunt for the killer. This also unearths several dark secrets the rest of the town’s people are hiding. Even when justice seems to have been served, numerous conflicts prompt further tragedies in Broadchurch.
To be fair, the series has a bunch of actors who have appeared on Doctor Who, with David Tennant having the starring role. However, the meatier role clearly belongs to Jodie Whittaker’s Beth, who has the most dramatic flair to portray. Playing a mother whose son is murdered, and whose husband is unfaithful, Whittaker is the standout performer in this crime-drama series.