‘Doctor Who’ 2016 Christmas Special: ‘Shameless’ actor to play … a superhero?

To date, details surrounding the upcoming “Doctor Who” Christmas Special this year have been a little hazy — as a result of that, we’re thrilled to finally have a few more details that are closer to concrete.

Per Radio Times, we know a little more news about one of the stranger bits of casting in some time: Justin Chatwin of “Shameless” fame is going to be appearing in an upcoming episode of the show as a “superhero character,” and one that could potentially have powers of some sort. The site claims that he may have a bold and brash sort of personality, and an American accent to go along with it. (We’re not sure how that matters, but it is interesting to note.)

While having something better suited for “The Flash” or “Supergirl” on “Doctor Who” is a little bit odd, that may be the point as the show continues to expand its world and give us some new and unique personalities.

Meanwhile, we are going to see the return of Matt Lucas as Nardole in this episode, though a source tells the publication that he won’t quite be playing the part of a Companion:

“The Doctor won’t have a temporary companion this Christmas and essentially that space will be taken by Nardole … He’s not a companion as such but it’s not as if he doesn’t play a similar role.”

This episode will help to bridge the gap in some way between the end of season 9 and the start of season 10 next year, which will feature Pearl Mackie as the latest Companion. Hopefully, more news there will be released in the coming weeks.

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