Russell T Davies Shares Disappointing Release Update for New Doctor Who Spinoff

The War Between the Land and the Sea, the much-anticipated spinoff series of Doctor Who, is not set to premiere anytime soon, according to showrunner Russell T Davies. He recently shared this update while revealing key details about the storyline, which will center around legacy characters from UNIT. These heroes will unite against a grave threat emerging from the depths of the ocean, facing an old adversary, the Sea Devils. This villainous faction made its initial appearance during season 9 of the original series and was last seen in the 2022 special episodes. Filming for the series commenced in August 2024.

In an interview with Doctor Who Magazine (via Radio Times), Davies expressed that fans will need to be patient for the series release. He did, however, spark excitement by stating that this project is among the finest he has ever produced. Although the air date remains uncertain, he conveyed confidence in its potential for success, stating:

It’s my job to hype, but the hype for that show is still way, way off – it’s far from transmission. Here, right now, in the cool, dry downloads of a distant gaze, I can tell you… that’s one of the greatest shoots of my life and one of the greatest shows of my entire career. You can doubt me and cry hype… and get left behind. Oh my God, it’s good!

Implications of Davies’ Update for the Upcoming Spinoff

The War Between The Land & The Sea: When Can We Expect It?

The spinoff began its pre-production phase in December 2023, indicating extensive planning occurred prior to filming. In addition to the return of the Sea Devils, the series will consist of five episodes featuring significant characters from Doctor Who‘s rich history. Confirmed returning characters include Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), Colonel Ibrahim (Alexander Devrient), and Shirley Anne Bingham (Ruth Madeley). Notably, former cast members Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Colin McFarlane will also join the series, portraying entirely new characters.

Davies’ remarks highlight the meticulous attention to detail invested in this project. While the exact timeline for the series release remains ambiguous, it’s likely that the commitment to high-quality production and the airing of Doctor Who season 15 in 2025 are the main reasons for the delay. Nevertheless, Davies’ enthusiasm sets an incredibly high expectation for fans eagerly awaiting updates.

Our Perspective on the Extended Wait for The War Between the Land & The Sea

A Wealth of Doctor Who Adventures Before the Spinoff

Even though the release for The War Between the Land and the Sea is further away than many fans would prefer, there is still a treasure trove of content to enjoy in the meantime. Doctor Who season 15 promises eight exhilarating episodes, continuing the journey through time and space with Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. This ensures that, while we wait for the spinoff series, the thrill of adventure remains ever-present.

Importantly, The War Between the Land and the Sea will mark the first Doctor Who spinoff to grace our screens since 2016’s Class.

Source: Doctor Who Magazine (via Radio Times)

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