Over the course of its half-century run, Doctor Who has entangled a strong few impending stars in its interdimensional web- which of them mark its greatest finds?Though Star Trek Into Darkness and other blockbuster motion pictures claim otherwise, the science-fiction genre has not always been so successful in latching onto Hollywood talent. Yes, the likes of Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver and Benedict Cumberbatch have all headlined various entries in the past, yet on the whole, particularly within the realms of television, this is a genre which can often be selective about its players, only incorporating the cream of the crop on infrequent occasions.
Nevertheless, while its history has not always been littered with appearances from Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp or the like, Doctor Who has still managed to claim 'first dibs' upon a number of now-acclaimed British stars who have gone on to become household names in a menagerie of beloved franchises. Here, then, in our latest Best of Who Awards feature, we're recapping the five hottest names discovered by the show ever since its return in 2005. Our decision of exclusivity for the Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat eras comes only due to most of the classic era's best discovered actors not necessarily being as relevant today as they once were.
Where did you see them first, then? Why, of course, you saw them right here, in the world's greatest science-fiction saga...
5. COLIN MORGAN (2008)- "In a time of myth and magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on a young man- Merlin." Before we discovered Colin Morgan's fantastical talents in BBC One's own hit drama Merlin that October, earlier in 2008 this budding young Brit actor was discovered by Russell T. Davies in the midst of his Series Four adventure Midnight. Far from the Arthurian warlock we would meet that Autumn, Morgan's character was a quirky teen too often dominated by his controlling folks to have an influence on the Tenth Doctor's fate at the hands of the Midnight bus' passengers. Even then, though, the man's dramatic expertise was plain to see, his appearance in this brilliant episode a brilliant initial insight into the star who would develop so gracefully at the helm of his own series for a further five years beyond 2008.
4. HARRY LLOYD (2007)- Perhaps the most admirable feat accomplished in Harry Lloyd's debut on Who via Human Nature/The Family of Blood as Son of Mine is that the previously unknown performer manages to stand up so confidently with his more experienced peers in a two-parter littered with stellar portrayals. In the years following his appearance here, Lloyd would go on to hold strong supporting roles in shows such as Robin Hood and Game of Thrones, and it's fitting that this actor kick-started his illustrious career in cult dramas with an electrifying rendition of a one-off villain who it's been difficult to forget ever since!
3. MATT SMITH (2010-2013)- Aptly enough, when David Tennant's successor in the role of the Doctor was announced on New Year's Day 2009, the reaction fans offered up was rather along the lines of the words of his predecessor- "What? What? WHAT?" Few viewers recognized or indeed had their enthusiasm ignited by the name Matt Smith as it appeared on-screen that evening, but five years on, the same sentiment and indeed lack of passion cannot be expressed. In fact, Matt marks one of Doctor Who's greatest discoveries yet- whereas Chris Eccleston and David Tennant were established names before their tenures, during his own run in the TARDIS Matt has established without doubt his mastery of comic relief, scene-stealing leadership and intense action sequences. The Eleventh Doctor will forever remain one of this writer's favourite incarnations, perhaps the greatest yet, and for Matt, with film projects such as How To Catch A Monster already on the horizon, it appears the road can only go up and onwards...
2. JOHN BARROWMAN (2005-2010)- It seems an odd concept to contemplate a time when John Barrowman wasn't an established name on our screens, his presence and appeal now being taken as a given nationwide thanks to a host of appearances in titles of various genres. Of course, it was in Doctor Who where Barrowman stepped into the limelight, bringing us the ever-witty and immortal hero Captain Jack Harkness, who has proven to be a colossal hit with fans the world over. Comments lamenting the Welsh actor and writer's absence from the 50th Anniversary Special only go to show the passion fans still have for the character, but in all honesty, Barrowman can afford himself a departure from Who now- with projects like Arrow still presenting themselves to him on a regular basis, his character's immortality now seems to exist on a physical basis in terms of the star's popularity!
1. CAREY MULLIGAN (2007)- When this viewer had the pleasure of experiencing The Great Gatsby in a cinema auditorium earlier this Summer, a peculiar but justified feeling took over upon my witnessing Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Daisy Buchanan- pride. If nothing else, fans of Doctor Who should be proud to see Carey faring with such success in Baz Luhrmman's blockbuster production six years on from her debut in a little adventure known as Blink, simply because we know that a) she deserves her success and b) our favorite show discovered her first. From Never Let Me Go to Pride and Prejudice, Carey's career in the film industry is now littered with illustrious credits, and yet her first performance remains truly defining to watch. In the role of Sally Sparrow and in the space of just forty-five minutes, she effortlessly rivalled the greatest companions ever to feature on the show while barely coming into contact with the show's eponymous Time Lord. There was an honesty, a sincere impression of careful innocence about Carey's portrayal, attributes of her skill as an actress which have only continued to shine in her subsequent projects. The discovery of Carey Mulligan by Steven Moffat remains a point of pride for Doctor Who, a landmark example of how the show's casting team can stumble on the world's greatest talents moments before their step into the limelight and put them to perfect use.
NEXT WEEK: TOP 5 GREATEST DALEK ADVENTURES
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