‘Doctor Who’ Peter Capaldi maybe leaving show; Stars who could become the next Time Lord/Lady [PHOTOS]

“Doctor Who” star Peter Capaldi is reportedly leaving the British sci-fi series after one more season that will not air until 2017. In case the report is true, fans are already wondering who could replace the 12^th Doctor.

It was recently announced that Steven Moffat will be stepping down as showrunner and will be replaced by “Broadchurch” creator Chris Chibnall after the 10^th season ends in 2017. Capaldi, the 12^th Doctor, previously hinted that his time was almost up, and perhaps he is right.

According to the Mirror, Chibnall’s reign will mark the 57-year-old Scottish actor’s exit. Like Moffat, who took over the show from Russel T Davies in 2010, Chibnall is reportedly starting his DW era with a fresh face.

“Bosses are already discussing a fresh start when Steven leaves,” a source from the BBC show told the paper. “They’ve been happy with what Peter has brought to the role but some think it might make sense to give Chris his own choice of actor to play the Doctor.”

If the report is true, then the search for the next Time Lord is up, and the Internet already has a few names for the role.

Tim Roth

The 54-year-old “Reservoir Dogs” star appears to be a favourite among Whovians, and he doesn’t seem to mind. In December, Roth answered a fan question during his AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Reddit. He was asked if he would consider becoming the next Doctor when Capaldi leaves the show.

“OK. If this is the casting director, I’m all for it,” the BAFTA Award-winning actor said.

Roth as the new Time Lord isn’t hard to imagine. He is English, male and a very good actor. He is already a “Doctor” material. Nevertheless, Chibnall might want to pursue a different look for the character. Roth and Capaldi are both serious actors and can deliver seriously menacing looks for the camera. Capaldi regenerating to Roth is not a big change at all, and it’s unlikely that’s what Chibnall wants.

James McAvoy

From one Scottish actor to the next, McAvoy, 36, could pass for a younger Capaldi. And though his career has taken the roads to theatre and the big screen, he isn’t new to starring on TV shows. He is also versatile, which means he can bring a new direction and persona to Capaldi’s brooding Doctor. He could keep his accent or use a different one, like Tenth Doctor David Tennant, who went for an English accent instead of keeping his Scottish tongue.

Idris Elba

The 43-year-old British actor is a favourite to succeed Daniel Craig for his James Bond role, but he may also be a good choice to become the next Time Lord regeneration. As all 13 (counting the War Doctor, William Hurt) past and present Doctors are white males, it would be exciting to see the next Doctor sporting a different face. Elba’s commanding presence would surely hook new Whovians to watch the show as well.

Benedict Cumberbatch

It is highly improbable that the titular star of “Sherlock,” which is also by Moffat, will be chosen to play the next Doctor, but, as people say, one never knows. Cumberbatch’s popularity is unquestioned; he is loved and admired by both his adoring fans and the critics alike. He has played numerous memorable characters, from heavy drama to comedy flicks, so perhaps he would like to add the Doctor to his ever-growing list.

Richard Madden

Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald is dead (but still going on adventures with Ashildr, played by Maisie Williams), but maybe her real-life boyfriend is up for the challenge to fly the Tardis next. Madden’s name is another favourite to take on the role. Ever since starring in and leaving the “Game of Thrones,” Madden has formed a solid fanbase that may perhaps extend to Whovians.

Hayley Atwell

The 32-year-old British actress, who plays Peggy Carter in the Marvel series “Agent Carter” and in the “Captain America” films, is perhaps ready for a jaunt in the Tardis as the first ever female Doctor. After the Master turned into Missy (Michelle Gomez), it has become canon that Time Lords can become Time Ladies when they regenerate. And it’s about time the Doctor regenerates into a woman. She might just be the woman Whovians are waiting for to own the blue police box. Atwell, who once said she would like to take on the role, is a strong contender if ever Chibnall decides to change the Doctor’s gender.

Richard Ayoade

This funnyman could bring serious laughs into the show if he became the next time-travelling Gallifreyan. Ayoade, 38, could be the answer to Capaldi’s stern and oftentimes very solemn Doctor.

Rupert Grint

The “Harry Potter” star’s already massive Potterhead fandom would be a great addition to the loyal Who-base. Grint, 27, had been suggested by some fans when Matt Smith was just about to leave the show. He, as it happened, did not get the role; he wasn’t even approached for it, as far as the fans know. But times have changed, and maybe the time is now right for Ron Weasley to swap his wand for a sonic screwdriver. After all, the Doctor has wanted to become a ginger for a long time.

Lara Pulver

She was fantastic as Irene Adler in the BBC series “Sherlock” so it’s a given she can handle whatever tantrums the Tardis will throw at her. Pulver, 35, can be a cunning and manipulative female Doctor and the fans will still love her. Also, it would surely be epic to see her square off with River Song (Alex Kingston)!

“Doctor Who” will air just one episode this 2016 before it starts the 10^th series in 2017.