Patrick Stewart was one of the names that was put forward to be the eighth Doctor Who. Although he never auditioned for the role – that ended up going to Paul McGann for the 1996 TV movie. But what if Sir Patrick had become The Doctor?

We all know and love Patrick Stewart for playing the iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek universe. Before he took the role in 1987, he had a distinguished career as a Shakespearean actor in theatres, but also in various small films. Being a part of the Star Trek franchise for fifteen years also opened him up to the worlds casting directors. This inevitably led to him being signed up for bigger film roles. None more so than Dr Xavier in the X-Men franchise. A role he played for seven feature films. But most of us will look at him with affection for playing the cool; composed and cultured Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek.

Suave, yet smart

What Patrick Stewart brought to Star Trek was some Shakespearean-grade acting. Not that the acting was particularly ‘bad’ in the original series and movies, but Sir Patrick took it up another level. He brought an air of sophistication; British manners and intelligence that we hadn’t seen from a Starfleet captain before. He certainly added some je ne sais quoi to the series. Even looking back now, I can’t imagine any actor being able to play that role better than Patrick Steward did. But let’s have a bit fun and look at a different sci-fi franchise scenario. What about if Patrick Steward had become Dr Who?

The Doctor will see you now

It’s not such a crazy idea. What would The Doctor portrayed by Patrick Stewart be like? Here’s how I think it would have panned out.

Firstly, his attire. I can envision Patrick sporting a Panama hat with a feather in the top. I feel it would suit his sophisticated persona. Complimenting the hat, I can see a red waistcoat and cream jacket on top. For the bottom half, I would imagine him donning some corduroy trousers with shiny black brogues for his feet. And for the final touch, a silver-handled walking cane. I can see him now, emerging from the Tardis with a cup of tea in hand. Earl Grey, hot, of course.

A class act

There have been some fantastic doctors over the years. Everyone has their favourite ‘doctor’. Whether that be the bombastic Tom Baker; the mad Peter Capaldi, or the iconic Jon Pertwee. We know that it is the actor who brings their unique take on The Doctor.

But let’s head back to the alternate universe where Patrick Stewart is in charge of the Tardis. We’ve established his attire and his tea drinking habits, but what about a companion? I can’t imagine him flying around on adventures with a young female, so perhaps an android type character like Data from Star Trek? I can just see Sir Patrick showing his new companion the various perils of the galaxy whist teaching him the emotions of being human. And quality tea.

Patrick Stewart would also deal with the universe’s aliens in a diplomatic way. I can see him sat with Davros, discussing how the Daleks could live in peace with the rest of the galaxy. Or perhaps having a progressive dialogue with the Master?. We know that Patrick oozes charm, so I’m sure he could create diplomatic relations with all the entire evil forces that habituate the universe. Although, that would end the need for the doctor to save the day, so maybe Patrick should have a bit of vengeance added to his doctor.

Shields up, red alert

Now we have Patrick Stewart in his full attire, complete with hat; cane and android companion, we need to find a foe for him to chase across the galaxy. Who better than the Cybermen? He already has history with cybernetic baddies the Borg, so we know that Sir Patrick can give as good as he gets. I’m sure he would relish landing the Tardis on the planet Mondas and unleashing a torrent of sonic screwdriver havoc across the Cybermen. Of course, he would deliver this destruction with an air of grace and class never before seen before in a doctor. I’d also hope that he says, ‘engage’ every time he pulls out his sonic screwdriver.

I can see Patrick savouring all Earth’s quirks and culture, immersing himself in our history with a thirst for knowledge. He would be the thinking man’s doctor. He would treat the various alien forces with diplomacy and dignity, but if they failed to see the error of their ways, he would light them up.

Let’s not forget that before his time on Star Trek, he had a distinguished career as a Shakespearean actor in theatres across the UK. That special brand of acting would suit the doctor brilliantly. There would be witty monologues delivered in-between saving the human race. And lengthy sonnets lashed out at those pesky daleks. He would combine wit; intelligence; strength and a suave personality that would be unbeatable.

Could it still happen?

Probably not. Let’s be honest, Patrick Stewart has recently entered his ninth decade, so I can’t imagine him entering the Tardis. Especially as he’s busy flying around the galaxy in Star Trek: Picard. But there is a small part of me that hopes that being The Doctor is somewhere on Sir Patrick’s bucket list. He would be joining a long list of fine actors who have flown the flag before, and he’s not unfamiliar with the universe. But we need to be realistic; it’s probably never going to happen. But if he had gone for that audition to be the eighth doctor, then things may have been very different.

As good as Paul McGann was, I know that Sir Patrick would have been so, so much better. Anyway, that was my vision of how Patrick Stewart would have looked as The Doctor. I hope you agree that he would have been a mighty fine one, too.

That’s our article on what if Patrick Stewart was Doctor Who. Do you agree or disagree with our points or have anything to add? If so, leave us a comment below.

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