This article contains spoilers for the Doctor Who centenary special, "The Power of the Doctor."
David Tennant is confirmed as playing the Fourteenth Doctor in Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa was announced as the next actor taking over from Jodie Whittaker, but that proved somewhat misleading when Whittaker regenerated back into David Tennant. Showrunner Russell T. Davies has since revealed Gatwa will portray the Fifteenth Doctor after David Tennant's second tenure as the iconic Time Lord finishes. Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor will star in three specials celebrating the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who set to release in November 2023.
Tennant's depiction of the Fourteenth Doctor has been incredibly similar to that of the Tenth so far, with Fourteen even acknowledging his predecessor through the feeling of his teeth. The decision to have David Tennant play the Fourteenth Doctor is likely designed to open exciting new possibilities for the character rather than limiting his return to Ten's existing canon. One possible in-universe reason the Fourteenth Doctor is so similar to the Tenth is that the Master's forced regeneration somehow messed with the Doctor's regenerative ability. The Thirteenth Doctor may have also reversed the Master's hijacking of her body a little too well, meaning she reverts to a familiar face instead of getting a new one.
Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Has To Properly Explain Why Tennant Is Back
The Doctor Who centenary special, "The Power of the Doctor," ends with the cliffhanger revelation that David Tennant will be playing the Fourteenth Doctor in the 60th-anniversary specials. This seems bizarre, given that Tennant is arguably most famous for portraying the Tenth Doctor and that two of his most prominent companions will return alongside him (Catherine Tate as Donna and the late Bernard Cribbins as Wilf). Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor costume also strongly evokes the Tenth, with the navy overcoat, suit, and signature Converse all present. The Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials must, therefore, explain this anomaly.
This is not the first time an actor has returned to Doctor Who playing a different incarnation of the Doctor than they are known for. Tom Baker, who inhabited the role of the Fourth Doctor between 1974 and 1981, returned in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special, "The Day of the Doctor," as the Curator - a possible future version of the Doctor that teased regenerating into "old favorites." David Tennant's casting as the Fourteenth Doctor is, therefore, not unprecedented in Doctor Who canon, but a proper explanation is still required.
David Tennant Playing The Fourteenth Doctor Is Better Than The Tenth
David Tennant portraying the Fourteenth Doctor rather than the Tenth is an interesting creative choice that allows Doctor Who whilst also creating a whole new character and persona, rather than simply settling back into his old groove.Having David Tennant play a new, albeit similar, incarnation of the Doctor allows more creative freedom to showcase an unforeseen side of the Time Lord.
The move could also give returning showrunner Russell T. Davies the opportunity to play with audience expectations, as viewers will only be familiar with Tennant's previous depiction of the Doctor and not this mysterious newcomer. David Tennant playing the Fourteenth Doctor in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials is a far more exciting choice than simply having him return as the Tenth Doctor, and incredibly fitting for a show that thrives on regenerating itself.