The Controversial and Non-Canon Peter Cushing in Doctor Who

Throughout the long history of Doctor Who, the show's iconic title character has been portrayed by numerous actors. However, the confusion sometimes stems from the portrayal by Peter Cushing, who played a different character altogether in two movies.

Introduction to Peter Cushing in Doctor Who

Peter Cushing, a renowned British actor, appeared in two Doctor Who-inspired films in the 1960s: Doctor Who and the Daleks and Dalek Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.

Shadows of the War Doctor

Recent discussions have brought up the topic of Cushing's portrayal of the War Doctor. However, it is important to clarify that Peter Cushing did not play the War Doctor, and his character bears no relation to the official series' lore. The War Doctor, played by actor John Hurt, is a part of the official Doctor Who universe and is considered canon.

Icons of the Past

Peter Cushing played a different character entirely. In the two films, he portrayed a human inventor and scientist, not the Time Lord Doctor featured in the television series. The portrayal of the Doctor in these films is non-canon within the official Doctor Who universe.

Canonicity and Consistency

The canonicity of the Peter Cushing films has been widely debated. Many official Doctor Who sources and veteran fans acknowledge that the Cushing character is not part of the official timeline. Here are some key points to consider:

The Official Position: Showrunners and the BBC itself do not consider the Peter Cushing films as canon within the Doctor Who universe. Plot Inconsistencies: The films introduce elements that contradict the established lore, such as the Doctor being a human and the TARDIS being made out of wood. Fan Interpretations: While some inventive fans attempt to reconcile these inconsistencies into the official timeline, these interpretations are not officially supported.

Concluding Thoughts

The Peter Cushing films, while historically significant and beloved by many, are a product of the early days of the franchise when the complexities of the Time Lord's origin and the concept of regeneration were yet to be fully established. As such, they should be appreciated as diverting and imaginative works, but not as part of the official canon of Doctor Who.

For a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the Doctor Who universe, fans and viewers are encouraged to refer to the official series and the established works of the show.