Johnny Fucking Depp.
This is like a fanboy's dream combined with a nightmare, because this is what Mr. Depp had to say about the part:
"The Doctor will absolutely have a serious romance. I can not reveal who my co-star is yet but I'm told she is a strong, lovely actress that everyone knows and is perfect for the part ... The Doc is always portrayed as this mysterious Demi-God. Russell has penned this wonderful, exciting script that humanizes this all-powerful alien. The Doctor is actually given a name in the film, I'm told he never really has one. He also acts like a Physician in more than just his title. He's called The Doctor for a reason. His mission is to journey through time and space with a crew of volunteers treating humanity's illnesses brought on by invading aliens. He cures the bubonic plague and then goes to Africa to fight Ebola. The film will be very human and relevant and have a great message."
The mystery of who the Doctor was before he started wandering the galaxy is a great source of stories and was especially played up during the last few years of the classic series.
Giving the Doctor a name nails him down. I don't suppose this prevents him from being Rassilon and/or Merlin, or the Creator of the Universe, but it just feels too concrete to me.
Perhaps someone will give him a name, rather than him revealing his own. That would actually fit in better with the whole Mystery Man angle, of a guy who's had so many identities he gets confused sometimes, himself.
Anyway, Depp is a wonderful actor and I'm looking forward to seeing the film, but there is a mantra playing in the back of my head which tempers my enthusiasm:
Tie-in movies usually suck.
