This December’s Doctor Who Christmas special, “Twice Upon a Time,” is stuffed full of great guest stars. Not only will Harry Potter‘s David Bradley be appearing as the First Doctor, but Mark Gatiss and Pearl Mackie will be joining in as well to say goodbye to Peter Capaldi as he regenerates into Jodie Whittaker. The fan-baiting cameos don’t stop there, though. At least, not if this new rumour is to be believed.
According to several fans on Twitter, Matt Smith has been spotted on the Doctor Who set, suggesting that the Eleventh Doctor will return in time for his successor’s regeneration. Smith previously cameoed in 2014’s “Deep Breath,” Peter Capaldi’s first episode, so it would bring things full circle if he was to appear in his last one, too.
MATT SMITH HAS BEEN SPOTTED OM SET OF THE DOCTOR WHO CHRISTMAS SPECIAL.
— logan✨ (@logsact) October 13, 2017
MATT SMITH IS IN THE CHRISTMAS EPISODE I REPEAT MATT SMITH IS IN THE CHRISTMAS EPISODE
— kim (@tbykim) October 15, 2017
As we don’t have any other evidence than just social media hearsay, though, fans should be wary of accepting this rumour at face value. Like one person pointed out on Twitter, production on “Twice Upon a Time” wrapped up back in July. So, how could Smith be filming his scenes now?
Interesting given the fact that filming on the Christmas Special wrapped on July 10th.
— Doctor Freedom (@DoctorFreedom1) October 16, 2017
It’s possible that, due to his busy schedule, Matt Smith wasn’t available to shoot his cameo earlier in the year and has only now dropped by to do so. Something similar happened back when Christopher Eccleston regenerated into David Tennant in 2005’s “The Parting of the Ways.” Tennant filmed his scenes much later on and some clever editing then made it look like he was interacting with co-star Billie Piper.
The real question is, though, what role would Matt Smith play in the special? Well, a previous rumour stated that “Twice Upon a Time” could link back to the events of “The Day of the Doctor,” which would allow previous Doctors to return. This could tie into the rumors that point to Jenna Coleman showing up as well, as Clara Oswald appeared alongside Smith in that episode.
One way or another, all will be revealed when the Doctor Who Christmas special airs this December.
