Earlier this week, Matt Smith announced that he would be stepping down from his iconic turn as the Doctor, making way for a new actor (or actress) to replace him in just two episodes. The identity of the 12th Doctor has been debated back and forth over the past few days, with Latinos Post readers weighing in on the issue here and here.
So who are the top contenders?
Surprisingly, outside pick (according to analysts anyway) Benedict Cumberbatch came in first on our poll. Cumberbatch's star power is on a massive upswing right now, beginning with his incredible turn as Sherlock Holmes on the BBC's "Sherlock," and continuing into Hollywood films such as "The Hobbit" and "Star Trek Into Darkness."
Cumberbatch's signature deadpan style could also be a really interesting contrast with Matt Smith's bouncy, energetic take on the Doctor. Plus, they could get Alan Rickman to play an older version of him from the future.
Hugh Laurie came in second with a solid 20 percent of the votes. The performer has not been too busy since ending his eight year run on "House M.D." (a well deserved break), so another TV role could be just what he's looking for.
Coming in at a close third was Rupert Grint, best known of course for his role in the "Harry Potter" franchise. While some may think Grint is a little too recognizable to make a good Doctor (how can you not see Ron when you look at him?), a number of other fans seem to disagree. Either way, Grint definitely has the acting ability to take on the role, and it would mean the Doctor would finally get his wish to be a ginger.
Next up was the always cool Idris Elba, who is currently coming off of a string of high-profile features including "Prometheus," "Thor," "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance," and the upcoming "Pacific Rim." He's also having a hell of a run on the BBC's crime drama "Luther." If he has time to take on another starring TV role in addition to his Hollywood career, he'd make one awesome Doctor.
In fifth is Grint's "Harry Potter" co-star (and Harry Potter himself) Daniel Radcliffe. The youngest performer in the top five, if chosen, Radcliffe would also be the youngest Doctor in the history of the series, beating out Matt Smith who was cast at 26.
Meanwhile, we also discussed the possibility of a female Doctor. After all, Steven Moffat seems to support the idea, and with only two regenerations left, there's not a whole lot of time.
With almost 50 percent of the vote, fan favorite Emma Watson landed the top spot in our poll, joining her other "Harry Potter" co-stars. Much like Radcliffe and Grint, Watson is likely looking to break her career out of the "Potter" typecasting, and a run as the first female Doctor could certainly do that.
In second was Billie Piper, best known for her role as the Doctor's companion and love interest Rose Tyler. The actress is set to make her return to the series in this year's 50th anniversary special; with that being Matt Smith's penultimate appearance, could it also be a lead-in to Tyler's turn as the Doctor?
In a slightly distant third is Olivia Williams, who is the Guardian's pick for a potential female Doctor. Williams has appeared in films such as "The Sixth Sense," "An Education," and "Rushmore."
Do you agree or disagree with the results? Who do you think should step into Matt Smith's shoes at the end of this year?