BBC (via SFFGazette.com) has confirmed that stage and screen star Jonathan Groff is the latest addition to the cast of Doctor Who.
As is so often the case, no details have been shared about who the actor will play in the long-running sci-fi series, though it's said Groff will "jump aboard the TARDIS in a mysterious and exciting guest role."
Talking about joining the cast, Groff says, "I am so thrilled to jump into the extraordinary mind of Russell T Davies and watch the incredible Ncuti Gatwa soar in this iconic role!"
Showrunner Russell T Davies, meanwhile, adds, "This is an incredible coup, and a great honour, to get such a huge star striding on to our set. So strap on your space boots, this is going to be a blast!"
The actor, who left jaws on the floor with his Tony Award-nominated performance as King George III in Hamilton on Broadway, is perhaps best known for starring in Glee, Mindhunter, The Matrix Resurrections, and Frozen. There's every chance he'll be spotted on set (the series is filmed in the UK), so a first look at his unnamed character in Doctor Who may well be imminent following this news.
While this show has a loyal, undeniably passionate fanbase, it doesn't seem unfair to say that BBC's budget for the series has held it back to some extent. Now, with Disney+ involved as an international distributor for Doctor Who, as much as triple is expected to be spent from season to season, giving the franchise its best chance yet to break into the mainstream.
Everything we've seen from Russell T Davies' return from the franchise suggests the beloved show has been given a fresh lick of paint, anyway, and casting Hollywood stars like Groff and Neil Patrick Harris is bound to increase interest.
Doctor Who will return this November with three special episodes starring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary. Ncuti Gatwa's first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor will then air over the holidays.
Keep checking SFFGazette.com for the latest Doctor Who updates.