In the Christmas version of Around the World in 80 Days, he plays the role as the brave adventurer.
But David Tennant has criticised Phileas Fogg for representing ‘alarming’ traditions of the British Empire.
The first episode of the eight-part BBC series based of Jules Verne’s classic novel airs on Boxing Day.
But discussing the swashbuckling traveller, Tennant, 50, said: ‘In many ways Phileas Fogg represents everything that’s alarming and peculiar about that old sense of British Empire.’
The actor told Radio Times’s Christmas issue: ‘Potentially, it’s a story about an England that should elicit very little sympathy.’
David Tennant (centre), stars in Around the World in 80 Days with Ibrahim Koma and Leonie Besch (right).
The first episode of the eight-part BBC series based of Jules Verne’s classic novel airs on Boxing Day
Fogg’s valet Passepartout is played by Ibrahim Koma (French actor).
German actress Leonie Benesch also stars as aspiring journalist Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue.
Tennant will be performing with Ty (his 19-year old son he adopted in 2012).
He said: ‘He plays a 19th-century New York hoodlum and manages to make everything cool.
‘I can’t identify with that, because at 19 I was so far from cool.’
John Whittingdale (then media minister) announced that public service broadcasters must carry British-themed shows.
He mentioned series like Downton Abbey and Top Gear as examples. Tennant was the Time Lord in these shows between 2005-2010.
Tennant, (pictured), will perform alongside Ty (19 years old), whom he adopted back in 2012.
Tennant plays the role of Phileas Fogg, French actor Ibrahim Koma stars as his valet, Passepartout, and German actress Leonie Benesch plays aspiring journalist Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue
Tennant stated that there was an inherent criticism in the plea for greater Britishness. Was Britishness a reference to programmes made in Britain or programs with a political perspective?
Is the Government pleading with artists for more empathy? The Government would feel that they require more compassion.
“Perhaps that’s something they should ask themselves rather than trying and blame the television industry.