Will Matt Smith get a 50th anniversary regeneration? - Radio Times

From Radio Times

Matt Smith has left us speculating yet again about his Doctor Who future, after comments made backstage at last night's National Television Awards, at which he scooped the best drama performance (male) for the show. 

Smith denied that the imminent departure of Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill - companions Amy and Rory - would have a bearing on how long he continued as the Doctor, but in the same breath spoke about being on Doctor Who “for a very small period of time."

“I always knew Karen and I would have different journeys,” he said. “I'm sad [about their departures] because I enjoy working with Karen and Arthur. But this show is bigger than all of us actors... and will continue far longer, and have a life way after me. I'm here for a very small period of time.”

A possible hint that his own departure is not far off? Not necessarily. Smith continued in the same breath, “I'm here for the future, I love making the show. I have no plans to leave.”

Phew, right? But wait. Isn't he keen on pursuing a movie career? Any luck in Hollywood yet, Matt?

“No, sadly not,” said Smith, looking genuinely sad. “The truth is that I've got another year left... I've got a year of Who and I'll take it from there…”

Gulp... Certainly, there was no disguising his ambition to break into the movies: “I'm absolutely interested in films," he said. "I've always loved films, I've always loved the idea and the process of films and I'm actually really interested in directing.”

So what is going on? Smith's various statements don’t necessarily contradict one another. We know he's currently signed up for just one more year of Who. He’s also interested in making movies. So while he may have no concrete plans to leave Doctor Who, neither has he made any commitment to continue, and if the right role came along...

It’s worth remembering, too, that 2013 is Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary and that earlier this month Steven Moffat told Radio Times: “There will never be a better time to be a Doctor Who fan.”