‘Doctor Who’ Replacement: Rory Kinnear Officially Out

We're still not sure exactly how and when the BBC will announce 'Doctor Who''s replacement for the departing Matt Smith, but we can at least officially rule out one choice for the next iteration of the Doctor. Following initial rumors that 'Skyfall' star Rory Kinnear had been the frontrunner to pick up the keys to the TARDIS, the actor has officially denied any involvement with the ongoing cast selection.

"I don't know where it [speculation] came from and how these things evolve. I haven't been and I am totally certain that I will not be asked to be the next Doctor Who," Kinnear told UK publication The Independent. "If I was an actor who was really longing to play Doctor Who, then this would be torturous, but it's a program I've never watched, so I don't even really know what it is."

Smith will vacate the role by the end of 2013 following the 50th anniversary and Christmas specials, with other rumored contenders for the role as Domhnall Glesson (Bill Weasley from the ‘Harry Potter‘ series), Daniel Kaluuya (‘The Fades’) and Dominic Cooper (Howard Stark from ‘Captain America’). Others have suggested the BBC may choose a woman or actor of a different race to portray the Doctor for the first time, though no castings will be announced until August or September, supposedly.

Well, what say you? Are you disappointed Kinnear won't take the role of 'Doctor Who'? Who do you think the franchise should choose to replace Matt Smith?