Essential Insights
- Disney+’s recent agreement has broadened the reach of Doctor Who, hinting at a promising future for the franchise.
- Speculation about Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor raises questions regarding the show’s potential direction.
- David Tennant’s possible return could indicate a regression to familiar, less innovative storytelling.
The Doctor Who universe appears to have introduced its most adventurous Doctor yet recently, but recent events and ongoing speculations suggest this beloved character may need to undergo another transformation moving forward.
For decades, Doctor Who has stood as a cornerstone of British sci-fi television, with the unique concept of regeneration allowing a lineup of remarkable actors to portray the Doctor, an extraterrestrial Time Lord who journeys through time and space. In a strategic move aimed at widening the show’s audience, Disney has added Doctor Who to its Disney+ platform for viewers beyond the BBC’s UK framework. This collaboration is a clear signal of optimism regarding the show’s future, with Davies recently indicating the exciting possibility of a crossover event with Star Trek, a concept that has already been explored through their respective mobile games.
Despite Davies’ 2021 resurgence being hailed as a significant boost during a challenging period for the franchise, signs of trouble remain. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, current Doctor Ncuti Gatwa stated, “We completed the second series this year, the Christmas special is on its way, and we are filming a third series next year.” Initially, this announcement sparked enthusiasm, but when the episode aired, those words were altered to reflect, “We wrapped up season two earlier this year, and the Christmas episode is coming out … at Christmas … It’s been fantastic.” Although Deadline clarified that these changes were made editorially and not directed by the BBC, the shift raises concerns that Gatwa’s relatively new role may soon conclude.
The uncertainty primarily stems from the unlikelihood of a third season for the Fifteenth Doctor, compounded by the BBC’s distancing from Gatwa’s comments. A production spokesperson stated, “As we’ve previously mentioned, decisions about season three will be made following the airing of season two, and we do not engage in speculation.” This mirrors sentiments echoed in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine by Russell T. Davies, who stressed that this has always been the established procedure. Rumors persist that Disney may consider canceling Doctor Who after season two due to underwhelming viewership, which they had anticipated when they secured distribution rights from the BBC for US and international audiences. Coupled with these speculations and the spoken revisions, there appear to be few promising signs for Gatwa’s portrayal.
The most daunting aspect for Gatwa lies in the transition mechanism established by his bi-generation, with the beloved David Tennant already part of the current narrative. This situation makes it easy for Doctor Who to revert to previous successful formulas, mirroring a concerning trend seen in the MCU with the return of Robert Downey Jr. While many fans might welcome Tennant’s return, such a move would represent troubling news for the franchise as a whole, signaling a retreat from the adventurous spirit that characterized the recent iteration of the character.
As Doctor Who gears up for a return to its roots with the upcoming Christmas special and has made bountiful promises regarding the quality and entertainment value of Gatwa’s second series, uncertainty remains regarding its reception among fans. While Gatwa’s tenure as the Doctor hasn’t drawn as much criticism as Jodie Whittaker’s era, there are noticeable indicators of a downturn comparable to challenges faced by the MCU and DCEU in recent times. Enthusiasts will need to monitor if the Doctor can navigate through this turbulent phase or if another regeneration is on the horizon.
The Doctor Who series is currently available for streaming on Disney+ in the United States and various locations outside the UK.
Source: Deadline
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