Fans across the internet rejoiced yesterday (the ones who aren’t jerks, anyway), as the Doctor of Doctor Who regenerated into Jodie Whittaker. For anyone following the long saga of whether or not the show would actually cast a woman in the role, it was certainly a surprise, and fans across the internet let loose with some great reactions, both to the news and to the aforementioned jerks.

I’m personally a fan of Whittaker from Broadchurch and Black Mirror, and I’m excited to see what she does with a role as fun and multifaceted as the Doctor. She was also in 2011’s Attack the Block, which featured another familiar face from a major franchise:

Attack The Block (2011): The Doctor teams up with renegade former First Order stormtrooper Finn to protect South London from aliens. pic.twitter.com/lqelZdXf9m — Tom Phillips (@flashboy) July 16, 2017

they started fight aliens on a council estate and now they’re saving the galaxy brb im crying pic.twitter.com/fP1oFawBGG — ashleigh (@Spirktacular) July 16, 2017

So ‘Attack the Block ‘ has seen 2 of its diverse cast of actors go on to take leading roles in iconic SF universes. Opportunities matter. — Juliet E McKenna (@JulietEMcKenna) July 16, 2017

But of course, there were plenty of people insisting that the casting was just to appease “SJWs” (read: fans with different opinions, the horror), rather than just a good choice. Those haters can feel free to take a seat.

Haters: “Women are ruining Doctor Who!”

The first showrunner was Verity Lambert and she was cooler than most of us will ever be, go home. pic.twitter.com/pC2XZ7fQ5A — Alan Sizzler Kistler (@SizzlerKistler) July 16, 2017

“Doctor Who is being run by PC lefties now” In 1963, it had a woman producer and was directed by a gay Asian man. #doctor13 #DoctorWho — Chris Down (@PlingetheElder) July 16, 2017

Lot of folks who have never cared about Dr. Who before are suddenly very concerned. Maybe we should announce that climate change is a woman. — Carol Hartsell (@carolrhartsell) July 16, 2017

‘Feminists ruining my childhood’ cry fandoms of DrWho/StarWars/Ghostbusters. Meanwhile little girls cannot safely Google My Little Pony — Charlotte (@CharlTaylorPage) July 16, 2017

nerd boys: i hate that there’s a female Doctor Who!!! if a woman is in it i’m OUT!

also nerd boys: women won’t date me because i’m too nice — Lane Moore (@hellolanemoore) July 16, 2017

Her first adventure is politely correcting everyone who calls her “Nurse Who.” — Bess Kalb (@bessbell) July 16, 2017

Sexism had nothing to do with the defeat of our first female POTUS nominee, but also dudes are losing their minds over a female Doctor Who. — Sarah Lerner (@SarahLerner) July 16, 2017

Oh great a female Doctor Who. What next? Female real doctors? Female pilots? Female scientists? Female sisters and mothers? Female WOMEN?! — m@®|{ µø₽₽û§️‍ (@markhoppus) July 16, 2017

Can’t believe the BBC is disregarding decades of established Doctor Who canon like this. pic.twitter.com/XVjeyeE35g — Take That Darwin (@TakeThatDarwin) July 17, 2017

'Doctor' has no gender in English. — Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) July 17, 2017

There’s just no non-sexist reason to be upset about this—not one that makes sense, anyway. Just concerned about good storytelling and not all these “identity politics,” you say? Super! Then whether the actor playing the Doctor is a man or a woman shouldn’t matter to you.

But as satisfying as throwing all kinds of snark at whining misogynists may be, let’s not forget what’s really important here: this is important representation—though I understand the criticism coming from those who would’ve liked to see an actor of color in the role, as well. Tons of us are just very excited:

So proud of Jodie Whittaker. She’s going to be awesome !!! — John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) July 16, 2017

Jodie Whittaker is a class act. End of. — Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) July 17, 2017

Good morning, Jodie Whittaker is the Doctor and the world is beautiful. pic.twitter.com/m4OTd00JB1 — Whovian Feminism (@WhovianFeminism) July 17, 2017

I honestly love Jodie Whittaker so so much already pic.twitter.com/9zVSDtoAtY — helena ⋆ . ✵ * (@doctoorwho) July 16, 2017

JODIE WHITTAKER IS THE THIRTEENTH DOCTOR I CANNOT COPE pic.twitter.com/c4gc3w1mkA — Pearl Mackie Fans (@MackieFans) July 16, 2017

Including some past Doctor Who stars:

Well I never the BBC really did do the right thing and let the Doctor be in touch with her feminine side. As a father of daughters – result! — Colin Baker (@SawbonesHex) July 16, 2017

YES xx — Billie Piper (@billiepiper) July 16, 2017

B O O M Change isn’t a dirty word!!!! #Doctor13 https://t.co/TNmw2qnD1W — Freema Agyeman (@FreemaOfficial) July 16, 2017

I mean, just look at what this can do:

I’d be hard pressed to find fault in a decision that has that effect.

(image: Colin Hutton, BBC)

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