Helen Mirren has always been a trailblazer in the world of showbusiness. Now, she wants to blaze a trail through the galaxy itself.
The Oscar-winning actress and British treasure recently, who has played Cleopatra and both Queen Elizabeths, told the Daily Star that she has another iconic role in her sites: Doctor Who. The British sci-fi series, which has run since the 60s (with a break during the 90s), has always featured a man in the role of the planet-hopping, TARDIS riding Doctor.
"I would like to play the new female Doctor Who. I don't want to just be his sidekick," she said. Currently, Matt Smith plays the role, but as was hinted in the episode "The Doctor's Wife," it is possible for a regeneration of the Time Lord to come back as a woman.
Mirren certainly has the chops. Beyond the obvious theatrical accomplishments, she's done plenty of action. Just this fall, in fact, she starred as a Massoud agent in "The Debt," playing the older version of Jessica Chastain's character.
Last week, it was revealed the Karen Gillian, who plays the Doctor's companion Amy Pond, will be leaving the show in a "heartbreaking" storyline. Her replacement is being lined up, though no name has been revealed. Smith will stay Doctor, for now.
Whether Mirren is actually interested or was just answering a hypothetical question is unclear. That being said, it'd certainly make for a very interesting -- and exciting -- change.