There can be few more impressive victory laps to take than one of the stage in Hall H at the San Diego Comic-Con. The legendary venue has become synonymous with giant movie reveals – most notably for Marvel and DC – but the internationally popular BBC series Doctor Who changed that reputation when it became one of the first TV shows to appear there, back in 2011. The current Doctor, Peter Capaldi, first appeared at the Doctor Who SDCC panel in 2015, but now he’s set for his farewell panel as he prepares to depart the role.
Capaldi has starred as the titular Time Lord for three years now, and announced in January that he would be leaving the show at the end of its 10th season. Also departing is showrunner Steven Moffat, who’s steered the series since 2010. The Comic-Con panel, scheduled for July 23rd in Hall H, will also feature Moffat, along with some supporting cast members, like Matt Lucas and Pearl Mackie. This being the case, it’s a farewell lap for all – since Lucas and Mackie are also expected to leave the show with Capaldi.
Taking the reins of Doctor Who as showrunner for season 11 will be Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall and, though the name has yet to be announced, the new Doctor has apparently already been cast. As is always the case with this beloved 54-year-old television series, the identity of the next Time Lord has generated much speculation – with many fans calling for an actor that bucks the tradition of the Doctor being a white man.
Gillian Anderson has been at the top of many people’s wishlist, while Olivia Colman has also been consistently hoped for. Colman starred in Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch, of course, so this connection has only added more grist to the rumour mill – though her co-star (and former Doctor) David Tennant has dismissed the rumour.
While the season 10 finale of Doctor Who aired on July 1st, the transition to the 13th Doctor will not take place until the Christmas Special, which traditionally airs on December 25th. Season 11 will then arrive on the BBC in 2018.
