Maisie Williams Recommends Idris Elba To Play The Doctor, But Would Like To Do it Herself If He Passes

Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams had a prominent guest role in Series 9 of Doctor Who, but the 18-year-old actress wouldn't mind taking on a larger role in the show, specifically that of the Doctor.

Williams was named this year's "Rising Star" at the British Film Awards on Sunday. At the ceremony, she told Standard that she would be happy to take over the role if her schedule wasn't already full.

"Yes, it would be cool, but right now I'm locked into some other things. I think a female Doctor would be incredible," Williams said. She then suggested another British star for the role. "I think a black Doctor would be incredible. I'm all for Idris Elba – but if not I'll take it for the team and do it!"

A significant segment of Doctor Who fandom has cried out to diversify the role. Peter Capaldi is the twelfth actor to play the role (thirteenth if you count John Hurt's War Doctor), and is, like all of his predecessors, a white male. The idea that a Time Lord like the Doctor could regenerate into a body with a different gender or skin color was canonized on screen in Series 9.

Elba has been a fan casting favorite for several roles, particularly the next James Bond. On the other hand, Williams wouldn't be the first Doctor Who guest star to step into the hero's shoes. Capaldi had a role in the episode titled "The Fires of Pompeii," though that was only a single episode and not quite as memorable as Williams' Ashildr. However, if Elba is busy and Williams doesn't want to put further stress on her schedule, Agent Carter star Hayley Atwell has also volunteered to become the first female Doctor.

Doctor Who will return in December for the 2016 Doctor Who Christmas Special. Doctor Who Series 10, Steven Moffat's last as showrunner, will follow in 2017 with Capaldi reprising his role as series lead.

Williams can be seen in Game of Thrones Season 6, premiering April 24 on HBO.